There are many people besides mom and dad who will be very important in your child s life. Infants need lots of attention, and sometimes it can feel like there s no time left for anyone else. A good way to have some special time with older children is to read to them while the baby is eating. If an older child wants to help with the baby, he can fetch diapers, talk or sing to the baby or draw some pictures to hang by the baby s crib or changing table. Don t leave a child younger than 4 years old alone with a baby.
Young children don t know that babies can be easily hurt.
Even if they live far away, they may have good advice on things like colic or laundry. But sometimes it s hard for grandparents to see their own children as parents, especially with a new baby. You can always listen, and then if it isn t what you plan to do, say nothing or say thank you, but I think I ll do it this way, or the doctor says to do this. Things may have changed a lot since your parents had a baby, and some of their advice may not be right any more. It s up to you and your partner to decide what is best for your baby.