Keeping siblings busy while you're delivering the baby

The many pregnancy books I read when I was expecting advised me to pack my bag for the hospital a month in advance of my delivery date. While I was packing, it occurred to me that should the baby come in the middle of the night, and we had to take our older daughter with us to the hospital, she would quickly grow bored and irritable waiting with nothing to do.

That's when I came up with the idea for the Sibling Bag of Tricks.

I purchased a plain, canvas bag, and decorated it to make it more meaningful and special for my daughter. I painted a simple design on the front, and sewed pretty ribbon and trim along the cloth handles. I pinned an "I'm the Big Sister" button onto the front of the bag, and it was ready to be filled.

I then purchased items that I thought were necessities, as well as fun things for my daughter to entertain herself. I placed a brand-new sweatshirt in her favorite color inside in case she grew cold in the waiting area. I added a small change purse containing dollar bills and several dollar's worth of quarters so she wouldn't have to bother us during the delivery with, "I'm hungry. Can I have some money for the vending machines?" Labor is not a convenient time to be rummaging around for loose change.

I put a disposable camera into the bag, and the small, wrapped gift she had previously selected for the baby. And then I threw in a new reading book, some activity books, markers, pens, and crayons. There were even sticker packs and a new journal for her to chronicle her first thoughts and feelings about becoming a big sister.

When the bag was complete, I surprised her with it, and explained that the bag and items were not to be used until she arrived at the hospital. She then proceeded to take everything out, have a good look at each item, and then repacked the bag. She was very pleased with the contents, and felt included in the big event.

Then with great pride and anticipation, she placed her Sibling Bag of Tricks right next to my hospital bag, thus insuring that her bag wouldn't be left behind in the case of a mad dash for the hospital.

There are countless, useful and entertaining items that can be placed in your child's Sibling Bag. Just make certain that you choose items that are age-appropriate. Filling the bag with brand, spanking new items greatly adds to a Sibling Bag's appeal, but don't forget to put in your child's favorite comfort items such as a stuffed animal or blanket, particularly for younger children.

Here are some ideas for filling your child's bag:

The Sibling Bag of Tricks will also come in handy if you have a younger child who will be going to a sitter's during your delivery. The novelty of it will keep your child distracted from all of the excitement surrounding the imminent birth, and could help ease any anxiety he may feel as a result.

Regardless of where your child may be during your delivery, a Sibling Bag will be just the trick.