Hospital Sibling Class

my daughter was 3 3/4 and she had a great time at the sibling class. Her favorite part was getting a tee shirt that said - "I'm a big sister" - she wore it all the time!

Check with your hospital before doing the hospital tour with him. Our hospitals in this area do NOT allow children on the tours. Would hate for you to get there and have to come back some other time when you are so close to delivery.

My first 2 were 17 mos apart. We talked about the baby and watched Happiest Baby on the Block DVD which shows babies crying and being soothed. My daughter still cried when the baby cried for a while when we got home with him but she was the BEST helper ever fetching diapers and wipes for me :) I have another one due when my 2nd will be 2.5 exactly -- we have tried talking to him about the baby but he laughs. He is also very "mama's boy" so we might have a harder time. We have just emphasized him being a big helper and big brother. I think what you have done is great and more than enough...It will be fine!

I looked into the sibs classes for this time around and hubby thinks they are a waste of money/time. I think they just are supposed to get the kids psyched for being a big sibling -- something we can do at home. Also, because I don't know EXACTLY what they are going to say, I don't like that aspect of it. We want to emphasize how our older kids will be big siblings and have a baby brother -- not that they will have a little brother to PLAY WITH. Imagine their disappointment when the little wriggly, pooping, eating screaming thing that just lays there turns up -- now how can they "play" with that :) ha!

Best wishes on your new family member!

We did the sibling preparation class at our hospital for our older son, and he was 5 at the time. But, he was one of the oldest in the group, and I don't recall an age limit.

They read books about babies, watched a little video that showed newborns in the hospital and at home, and reviewed what to expect from a baby and how to help out as a big brother/sister. They got to handle a baby-sized doll, and baby things - toys, diapers, bottles, etc. - and discussed what each item would be used for. They also talked about their soon-to-be little sibling, and all got to share if it was a brother or sister, what their name would be, what they were most excited about, etc.

Although we had also done a lot of preparation at home (the boys share a room, so we started prepping that adjustment as soon as possible), I thought it was still worth it to go to the hospital class. It just gave our son a little more information and perspective, and helped lead to some new discussions at home that we hadn't had (like what exactly is the umbilical cord for). I think even the little ones in the class got something out of it too.

At the end all of the kids got certificates saying they were certified to be a big brother/sister. I thought that was kind of cheesy, but my son loved it! He still has his certificate, and was actually just looking at it the other day (his brother is now 18 months).

I'd say go for it if your son is old enough to attend.

Our oldest son had a good time at the sibling class. He learned more about the baby coming ; how to treat it and safty stuff.
they take your group on a tour and let them know what to expect.
I would sign up for the class it makes the older child feel special.
Good Luck

I think the sibling class started at age 4 at my hospital, if I remember correctly.

My daughter was 2 when her sister came along. There were a few adjustments but over all she handled it really well.

I took my oldest son to the sibling class, he was 4 1/2. I think it helped to understand about his new sibling that was going to be part of the family soon. It also let him know where is mommy was going to be when the time came to deliver the baby. I think it would be good to take him because they gear the class towards the kids. They talk to them on their level and let them ask questions and let them be involved. Good luck in deciding what you are going to do but I would totally recommend it. Congrats on your new baby as well.

We are going to be doing the same with our son (who will be 5 when his new sibling comes). When I looked at our hospital's requirements, they had to be 3 to participate. I would go to your hospital's website and see if he is old enough. If he is, I say send him! If nothing else, you could at least walk around the lobby of the hospital so there is something familiar when he comes to see you! Good luck!

I took my sons to the sibling class at the hospital when I was getting ready to have #3. I was very impressed. It was very age oriented. There was kids from 3-10 at the class, and we were able to sit in the back and watch. I like that, because then if the boys had questions, then we could clarify in the privacy of our home. And there were some of those questions, where the instructor just replied, "Ask your parents about that later." :) Even though it sounds like you are doing basically the same thing at home, it might be nice for him to see that other kids his age are going through the same changes in their family. Good luck and congrats!

What do they do in this class? This wasn't offered when my kids were little and I never heard of this before so I doubt they have it now.

The sibling classes, should usually have an 'age' of the kids that it is for. ?

l.