Best Books to Help Your Child Adjust to New Baby Sibling

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I’m no expert on this, but I’ve finally gotten my daughter to agree to hug and kiss the new baby. When I first found out I was pregnant, I asked her if she would hug, kiss, and help out with her new baby sibling. “No” she’d respond sternly. As long as I can remember, she’s never liked babies. In fact, she’s always wanted to divert our attention from them and remind us SHE was the baby. Only in the last year has she started to become more comfortable around babies as she’s had a new baby cousin and lots of new babies in our playgroup.

When I realized she needed a little help understanding what being a sibling was like, I knew I wasn’t going to be offering much in the way of positive experiences to help her want to be a good big sister. In my own upbringing, my family didn’t do much in the way of making a new baby a positive thing for me. I’ll spare you the details of all the times I had to watch my brother because my mom wanted to enjoy something, as I felt held back from enjoying some of those childhood moments. I won’t say I was an angel about it either …. I mean, I did intentionally wake him up so I could go swimming with my cousins.

I don’t want the same experience(s) for my daughter. I want her to want to be helpful and enjoy having a new baby in the house. I want it to be fun, but I also want her to know that she is just as important to us as she was when she was the only child in the house. And, I needed to remember that my choice to have another baby didn’t mean that I let her handle some of the dirty work when I don’t want to get left out of something. That meant, in order to prepare her for being a sibling, I needed to prepare myself for trying to offer her a more positive experience as a big sister and first child. So, I began borrowing books from the library so that we both could read up on bringing a new baby into our home, and what it means for all of us.

books new baby sibling

I found the following books, that I thought you might also like to purchase, or borrow from your local library. I have included affiliate links to show you the books, so if you make a purchase after clicking on them, I will earn a small commission. This is not a comprehensive list and not in any particular order.

*Dislaimer: This post includes affiliate links. Making purchases after clicking on these links may earn me a small commission, but will not cost you more out of pocket.

A few books to help your child prepare for a new baby sibling

Hello in There! A Big Sister’s Book of Waiting by Jo Witek

Big Brother Daniel by Angela C. Santomero (also available in DVD format)

Big Sisters are the Best by Fran Manushkin (also available for big brothers)

What to Expect When Mommy’s Having a Baby by Heidi Murkoff

note: This book uses some mature language about body parts – just want you to be aware that this is a very informative and educational book that isn’t dumbed down.

I’m a Big Sister (and I’m a Big Brother) by Joanna Cole

I’m sure there were other books we’ve read, but pregnancy brain has gotten to me (and I didn’t think to write a list every time we picked up a book). Ooops!

These were helpful and my daughter has come around more to the idea of having a new baby in the house. I have also found that letting her know there are so many things she gets to teach the baby (like brushing up on our sign language and spanish vocab) has her more excited. And, when she finally got to see the baby move in the belly, her face lit up with pure joy. I’m certain we still have quite a ride when the baby arrives, but I’m feeling more confident that it’s not a huge disappointment for her.

More Books for Big Sisters | More Books for Big Brothers