Other explanations should be basic, too. For instance, to explain a C-section to your preschooler, Wiesenberg advises you say something such as, "The doctor can make a special opening in Mommy's tummy for the baby to get out. The doctor will give Mommy medicine so that it doesn't hurt."

Letting Sibling Classes Help

If you're still concerned about the questions your preschooler might pose, sign your child up for a sibling class offered at an area hospital. These classes, taught by trained health educators, offer an introduction to your child about pregnancy and how to care for a new baby. Many sibling classes also incorporate a simplistic cartoon representation of a mother going to the hospital and having a baby. Along with the film, Wiesenberg uses a doll, created and made by another University of Utah childbirth educator, to show where a baby comes out in a vaginal birth and where a baby would come out for a C-section (the doll has a Velcro strip).

"We try to give parents tools to start conversations with their children about what it will be like to have a new baby in the home," says Wiesenberg.

Anticipating Surprising Questions

Your preschooler wants to know that she's loved. The idea of a new person that she has to share her mom and dad with might be overwhelming at first. Although you might fret about how to answer sensitive questions, don't be surprised if you never get any birds-and-bees queries. In Floyd's 30 years experience, she's never had a preschooler ask in a sibling class where babies come from. She's had plenty of other questions though, like—"Will the baby sleep in my room?"

Related Features:

• Sibling Relationships

• Preschooler Development

• Pregnancy Advice and Information, from Babyzone.com