Preparing Your First Child for the Birth of Their Sibling: A Mom’s Guide
When I was expecting my second daughter, I was thrilled—and nervous. It wasn’t just about preparing for the new baby, but also about making sure my older daughter felt secure, loved, and involved in the big changes coming her way. I wanted her to feel excited about her new role as a big sister, but I also knew that helping her adjust would take time, patience, and a little creativity.
So, how do you prepare your firstborn for the arrival of their new sibling? Here’s what worked for us, and hopefully, these tips will make your journey a little smoother too!
1. Talk About It Early
Start talking to your child about the baby as soon as you feel comfortable. Keep the conversations age-appropriate and positive. Share what life will look like when the baby comes home, and answer any questions they might have.
2. Involve Them in the Process
Whether it’s helping pick out clothes for the baby or preparing the nursery, involve your child in the preparations. This helps them feel included and less like things are happening to them and more like they’re happening with them.
3. Read Books Together
Books are a wonderful way to introduce the concept of a new sibling in a gentle, relatable way. There are so many beautiful, funny, and touching stories out there. Here are 10 books that helped my daughter (and me!) get ready for baby #2:
10 Books to Prepare Your Child for a Sibling
- “Pickles Too” by April Hilland (That’s ME!!)
Follow Dill, the pickle, as he adjusts to the arrival of his baby sister Dillilah. This light-hearted, funny tale helps kids understand the ups and downs of welcoming a new sibling. - “The New Baby” by Mercer Mayer
Little Critter is trying to adjust to a new baby in the house. This sweet story shows the challenges and joys of becoming a big sibling. - “Big Sister Now: A Story About Me and Our New Baby” by Annette Sheldon
This is a great book for helping your child understand that while things will change, there’s a special role for them too! - “Hello in There!: A Big Sister’s Book of Waiting” by Jo Witek
With flaps and fun illustrations, this book takes your child on a journey of waiting for the baby to arrive. - “Julius, the Baby of the World” by Kevin Henkes
Lilly isn’t thrilled with her baby brother at first, but eventually, she learns to love him. This is a funny, relatable book for kids feeling unsure about their new sibling. - “I Am a Big Brother” by Caroline Jayne Church
This simple, positive story helps young children understand their new role as a big brother or sister. - “You’re the Biggest” by Lucy Tapper
This beautifully illustrated book celebrates the specialness of being an older sibling. - “The Berenstain Bears’ New Baby” by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Classic and timeless, the Berenstain Bears story captures the changes and emotions of welcoming a new baby. - “Waiting for Baby” by Rachel Fuller
This short, simple board book is great for toddlers and preschoolers to understand what it’s like to wait for a sibling to arrive. - “There’s a House Inside My Mummy” by Giles Andreae
A fun and silly rhyming story that explains what’s going on with mom while waiting for the baby to come.
4. Set Expectations
Be honest about what having a baby will be like. Explain that babies cry, need a lot of attention, and can’t do much at first. Reassure your child that while things may change, your love for them won’t.
5. Create a Special Big Sibling Role
Give your child a “big sibling” job, like being the official “toy finder” or helping pick out baby’s clothes. It’s important they feel like they have a special role to play in the new family dynamic.
6. Plan One-on-One Time
After the baby arrives, make time for just you and your older child. Even if it’s just 10 minutes of reading a book or going for a short walk, these moments will help reassure them that they are still just as important.
7. Prepare for Mixed Emotions
It’s natural for your child to feel a mix of emotions—from excitement to jealousy. Let them know it’s okay to feel that way, and give them space to express their feelings without judgment.
8. Practice Patience Together
Use this time to teach your child about patience and waiting, which will be important once the baby arrives. Simple games like “Simon Says” can help reinforce these skills in a fun way.
9. Do a Baby Doll Activity
Give your child a baby doll to “practice” taking care of. Show them how to gently hold, feed, and rock the baby. This helps make the concept of a newborn more tangible and real to them.
10. Celebrate the Big Sibling!
Plan a “big sibling” party or celebration when the baby is born. Make it a big deal that your child is now an awesome big brother or sister, complete with a certificate or special gift to mark the occasion.
Having a second baby is an exciting time, but it’s also a big transition for your firstborn. With a little preparation, patience, and a lot of love, your child can embrace their new role and the journey ahead as a big sibling!
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