A new baby can inspired a multitude of feelings in your child: excitement, fear, jealousy, anger.  It's important to prepare your child for the impending delivery while still giving credence to their feelings.  Here are some tips to help the transition.

1. Answer questions honestly but age appropriately.  This is good advice for most life events that occur in your family.  Answering questions openly will alleviate fears that your child might have about the new infant.

2.  Offer your child expectations.  Let the child know what the new baby will be like (he'll sleep a lot; he'll cry a lot).  This will help set your child's mind at ease; the unknown is oftentimes scarier than the known.

3.  Involve your child as much as they want.  If your child shows interest, have him or her help you pack your hospital bag, read books about babies, etc.  If a friend or relative has recently had a baby, visit the new arrival with your child.  But don't push your child too far too fast.

4.  Gifts.  Have your child pick out a gift for the new baby that he or she can bring to the hospital.  Having a present (or three) for your child is a great idea as well; after all, being a big sibling is a tough job, too!

5.  Spend as much time as possible with your child doing activities that you both enjoy.  Let your child know that he or she has a special place in your heart that will never change, and that big kids are just as much fun (and just as important) as little babies.

What are your tips?