10 books about welcoming a new baby into the family
Reading stories that center around a new addition can help prepare your little one for the arrival of their new baby brother or sister.
Congratulations on your growing family! As you look ahead to welcoming baby number two, you may be wondering how to help prepare your first born for the new baby’s arrival. This is an exciting time of transition for your family, but depending on the age of your child, there may also be feelings of anxiousness, jealousy (and perhaps sibling rivalry once the new baby arrives). Picture books can be a wonderful tool when explaining any number of important topics to children, and that includes a new baby brother or sister on the scene. At the end of the day, your child wants to be reassured that even with the spotlight on a new baby, there is always enough love to go around. The stories I’ve chosen below can help do just that.
Simply put, there is nothing more rewarding than the love between siblings . I have so enjoyed watching my daughters’ relationship deepen over the years, and while they don’t always get along (of course!), I know they will always have each other’s back . The adventure is just beginning, mama—and there will always be enough love to go around.
Help prepare your child for a new baby with these stories:
‘Mama’s Belly’ by Kate Hosford
In this sweet story, a curious little girl asks her mama many questions as they wait for her new little sister to arrive. She helps her parents prepare to meet her little sister, but the most important part of getting ready is taking care of her mama. A celebration of motherly love and a calming story for older siblings.
Ages 0-5
‘Peter’s Chair’ by Ezra Jack Keats
Ezra Jack Keats created award-winning and classic stories about Peter and his neighborhood friends. In this story, Peter has a new baby sister. When his father paints Peter’s old cradle pink, then his crib, Peter wants to run away. This is a gentle and reassuring story about sibling rivalry.
Ages 3-7
‘I Used to Be the Baby’ by Robin Ballard
Perfect for the not-so-big sibling who may be struggling with the news of a new baby brother or sister. While he’s willing to share toys and play with the new baby, he might still like to act like a baby himself sometimes. And that’s okay.
Ages 4-8
‘Will it Be a Baby Brother?’ by Eve Bunting
The perfect book if you are keeping baby #2’s gender a surprise, this story revolves around a little boy named Edward as he anxiously awaits the arrival of a new baby in the house. He really wants a baby brother. But will he get his wish? Only time will tell!
Ages 2-6
‘Lola Reads to Leo’ by Anna McQuinn
In this 3rd book of the Lola series, Lola learns what it means to be a big sister. Lola is a certified bookworm, so it’s no surprise that she can’t wait to share her love of reading with her new baby brother. Lola gets ready for baby Leo’s arrival by reading books about brothers and sisters and when he finally arrives, Lola is ready. I love this celebration of family and reading and the what it means to be a sister.
Ages 2-5
‘The New Baby’ by Mercer Mayer
This was a family favorite when we were expecting our second child. I love the Little Critter series, and in this heartwarming story, Little Critter has a new baby sister. He loves taking care of her, from rocking her to sleep to pushing her stroller. A great way to show how to be a helper!
Ages 3-7
‘Big Brother Daniel’ by Angela C. Santomero
For any avid Daniel Tiger fans, this book is a no-brainer. In this story, based on an episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood , Daniel is learning how to be a good big brother to his new baby sister, Margaret.
Ages 1-5
‘What Sisters Do Best’ by Laura Numeroff
Having a sister is awesome! This adorable board book celebrates all the wonderful things a big sister can teach a little sister, from learning how to swim to starting a new game of tag. Best of all, they’re always there when you need them. Plus, and this goes without saying, koalas are the cutest.
Ages 0-3
‘Good Night New Baby’ (Good Night our World) by Adam Gamble
Part of the Good Night Our World series, this book celebrates everything that’s new about a new baby: going to baby’s first checkup, feeding baby, playing peek-a-boo and making funny faces, to name a few. This book helps young readers to get a head start on what to expect when the new arrival makes their appearance.
Ages 0-3
‘A New Sibling for You’ by Wonderbly
By creating a personalized book for your child with Wonderbly , you can reassure them that there’s plenty of love to go around in your family. And they’re going to be a great big sister or brother!
Ages 2-5
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