STM: Big brother/sister class?

[ksmith0803]

The hospital I'm delivering at no longer offers the big sibling class but their sister hospital does. I'm trying to decide if it's worth taking DS to. According to the website, it helps prepare children for what to expect and gives parents tips on making the adjustment easier. Anyone ever been to a class like this, and is it worth going to?

[jil]

No first hand experience, but I was looking at these classes at my hospital a few weeks ago and found out that because it's flu season, the class would be in a meeting room and the children wouldn't be able to get a hospital tour. Obviously your hospital may not have these restrictions.

Everyone I've talked to IRL recommends getting a couple of books about being an older sibling and talking about what it will be like when the baby is born.

[shmee]

We're going to do it, it's only like $25 and I think it will be fun to involve her in some way. Plus, even if she can't go on a tour at least she'll have been to the hospital before. I'm looking forward to it!

[shmee]

To add - as far as I know, ours still does do the tour and we have to bring a baby doll so she can help change a diaper and stuff. I don't imagine we'll learn much but I think DD will get a kick out of it

[mpiemont]

I've never been to one but I am planning to take DS1 to a class (he turns 4 about a month before I am due). I think it would be fun for him to see how he can "help" with the baby, etc.

[purpleroses]

I would if DS were a little older, but he's not even 2 yet so I think the content would be above his head. However, we did get him some books and he particularly likes two that just came out recently with Daniel Tiger, which are based on the episode of the show involving the birth of Daniel's little sister. One is a board book that focuses more on what happens after a new baby comes home and the other is a bit longer and talks about prepping for the new baby's arrival and mom and dad going to the hospital. I highly recommend both of them for anyone with young kids who are DT fans.