Having a baby in the NICU can also be difficult for older siblings. As for the parents, it is an unexpected and challenging experience for them too. They may not understand their parents' behaviour and emotions during this time. Having a baby in the NICU requires a lot of time away from home, and siblings may find it difficult to accept that their parents are spending so much time caring for their new family member.

Tips from other parents to help siblings with a sister or brother in the NICU:

• Spend quality time with older children, making time for them and making them feel as important and loved as before. You can ask family and friends for help, for example with housework, so that you can spend some time with your older child(ren) when you are at home.
• Explain what is happening, talk to them about their feelings and help them adjust to the situation.
• Ask the hospital if it is possible to bring your older child(ren) with you and let them spend time with their baby brother or sister in the NICU. This will help them bond with their new family member, and seeing where their parents spend a lot of time will help them understand the situation.
• Bring photos of the baby from the NICU. Especially if (frequent) visits to the NICU are difficult to arrange, this can be a good way to help siblings build an emotional connection to the new family member.

It is important to involve them as much as possible. They can be encouraged to draw or do crafts, or take a picture of themselves to put next to the baby's incubator. In this way, they will be reassured that they are an important part of the family.