Says Dr. Madhu Shanbag, Paediatrician and Child Psychologist, "For a young child, a new addition to the family may not be entirely welcome. In fact, most children will be downright jealous. So, it is good for a child to know ahead of time that she is going to have a baby brother or sister, so she can get used to the idea gradually."

Try these tips to help prepare your child for the arrival of your new baby and minimise sibling rivalry.

Also Read: Bond with Your Baby

Break the News

Depending on the age of your child, most experts advise parents not to break the news of the pregnancy very soon.

Dr. Shanbag says, "Small kids don't have a sense of time, and a full nine months is way too far away for a child to anticipate. So, when you begin to show or when the child notices, then it's time to break the news."

In addition, talk to your older child that she was a baby at one time. Show them photographs of themselves as newborns and explain how the baby will need lots of help.

Show her how she looked like right after birth, coming home from the hospital, nursing and feeding. By replaying the child's baby events, s/he will be prepared for what is to come.

Expect Your Child to Regress a Little

Some children regress after a younger sibling is born.

Dr. Shanbag says, "Regression means acting more like a baby - mimicking newborn behaviour. Some children regress back to a time when they were the centre of attention. A four-year-old who has been potty trained for months may start wetting his pants, and a three-year-old may suddenly want to drink from a bottle and indulge in baby talk.

Also, indulge her by cuddling, rocking and cooing as you would to a baby. Be patient and appreciate your child's positive attributes than her baby acts. Praise her when she acts more grown-up."

Also Read: Are You an Angry Mom?

Let Dad Have Special Time

Plan on giving your child plenty of one-on-one time with her dad while you are pregnant and even after the baby is born. If your child likes playing in the park or visits to the zoo, encourage her to go with daddy.

This way after the baby is born; your older child may not feel confined to the house and enjoy her activities with dad.

Manjiri Lamba, Architect says, "My daughter had the habit of listening to bed time stories before she would doze off. So, in my last trimester, I asked my husband to read a bedtime story to her. I did not want her to feel left out over the activity she most enjoyed. There was no disruption in her routine and she adapted well to it."