Which action is NOT recommended to promote sibling adaptation for a 4-year-old when a newborn is expected?

• A. Provide a gift from the newborn to give to the child.
• B. Allow the child to be the first to see the newborn.
• C. Have the child stay with the parents during labor and delivery.
• D. Have the child care for a doll.

Answer: (C)

Preparing a preschooler for a new baby focuses on safe, developmentally appropriate involvement that supports positive adjustment. Having the child stay with the parents during labor and delivery is not advisable because the birthing process can be long and intense, and the environment isn’t suitable for a young child. It raises safety and privacy concerns and can be emotionally overwhelming for a 4-year-old, potentially increasing fear or confusion about the birth. Instead, choose time-limited, age-appropriate ways to include the older child—such as a gift from the baby to the child to create a sense of connection, letting the child see the newborn after birth when everyone is stable and the parent can provide reassurance, and using a doll for the child to care for to practice nurturing roles. These approaches help the child feel involved and secure without exposing them to the stressful dynamics of labor and delivery.