To prepare an older child for a new baby -- We prepared our son by reading him a lot of books about being the big brother. We really talked him up as the big kid. The baby is not going to get to do any of this fun stuff that you get to do. They don't get to go to school or the playground, but you do because you are the big kid. Creating an identity for him as a helper. I would have him do the things I felt safe having him do. I mean, he couldn't hold the baby, but I would say, "Could you get me those wipes over there? Thank you. That's so nice. You are such a good helper." We also got him a baby doll that he could have and hold because he couldn't hold his brother. He was too little. When I would nurse my younger son, he would nurse his baby doll. We also fortunate that we have good uncles that we would talk up. You know, "He's my big brother." He would get so excited when he comes to visit. We are so happy when he is here. It really got him excited to be a big brother. It was very nice for him.