Welcoming a New Baby
If you’re getting ready to welcome a new baby to your family, congratulations! And if your child is about to become a big brother or sister, you’re probably fielding a lot of questions. But did you know there are some great books that can help answer them? Check out the titles below. Happy reading!
I hope you love the books I recommend! Please note that the links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hello In There: A Big Sister’s Book of Waiting & Dentro De Nuestra Mamá- this book is so sweet! Follow this big sister as she waits for her new sibling to be born. Your little one will enjoy lifting the flaps inside to see the baby growing bigger and bigger. You’ll love the sweet sentiments on every page.
Mama’s Belly - This book won me over instantly! It reminds me so much of my daughter and all of the questions she asked when I was pregnant with my son. This book is a sweet snapshot of a family as they wait for the birth of their new baby. The big-sister-to-be waits patiently, as her mama’s belly gets bigger, asking questions and helping her parents get ready. This book has just the right balance of sweetness and information, perfect for all new big-siblings-to-be.
Littles and How They Grow - a charming rhyming book, detailing all of the adorable milestones awaiting your new baby to be. This title is great for introducing kids to the concept about what life with a new baby will be like. The gorgeous illustrations will help get you and your little one excited for baby’s arrival.
There’s a House Inside My Mommy, I Am a Big Sister & I Am a Big Brother are all short and sweet. With beautiful pictures and charming rhymes, they’re perfect for toddlers and 2-year olds. We received I Am a Big Sister as gift before my son was born and my daughter still enjoys reading it. They’re available in dual language Spanish-English editions too.
A Big Change For Daisy - Daisy is the queen of the castle for many years. She loves having all of her toys to herself and napping any time she wants. One day a new puppy shows up and declares that she’s Daisy’s new little sister. Daisy has no idea what a sister is, but she soon learns that having a sister means having a best friend by her side.
Sisters First - This one beautifully captures the special bond between sisters. This book reminds me so much of my own childhood with my 2 sisters and brother. I love the way the book begins with an only child, wishing for a sibling, through the arrival of the new baby, and along all of the ups and downs of sisterhood.
One Family - this creative counting book celebrates families of all shapes and sizes. Take a peek into homes with single and same-sex parents, multigenerational families, single-parent and, adoptive families, families with 1 child, and those with many siblings and see the universal thread of love that connects them all.
Lola Reads to Leo - the Lola books are perfect for many occasions and this one I read in my classroom year after year. Lola and her family prepare for her new baby brother’s arrival by reading books and getting their house ready. When Leo arrives she helps soothe him when he’s crying and reads him her favorite books. You’ll love the beautiful illustrations and the sweet big sister sentiments. Also available in a Spanish edition.
Welcome To The Party - an absolutely sweet and stunning book! Written by mother, actress and activist, Gabrielle Union, this book captures the joy and love of welcoming a new baby into the family. This very special book will resonate with parents who’ve been affected by baby loss, miscarriage, and fertility challenges. I love the way she writes: “say hi to your guests, they’re happy to meet you, they’ve waited so long and can’t wait to greet you.” Union welcomed her own rainbow baby after years of IVF and miscarriages. I love the way she chose to honor part of her journey in this joyful book. The gorgeous illustrations by artist, Ashley Evans, will draw you in and bring a tear to your eye. Thank you so much to Ashley Evans for sharing this book with us!
Another Brother - is a fun and silly book for older siblings (elementary school age). Davey has 12 brothers who copy everything he does. He can’t wait for them to grow up and find their own games and activities. But what happens when they finally do? Will Davey keep enjoying the quiet & freedom? or will he miss them?
You Were the First - this beautiful book celebrates all of the baby milestones that parents treasure. From the first smile to the very first steps. I love this book because it’s a great way for parents to celebrate all of the special memories of older siblings, as they prepare for a new baby’s arrival.
And, of course, Todd Parr always has some great titles! The Brother Book, The Sister Book and The Family Book/ El Libro de la Familia are fun, colorful and bring lovely messages about love and family.
When Aidan Became a Brother - is a sweet story about a transgender child and his family as they prepare for the birth of his new sibling. This book approaches trans identity in a simple and age-appropriate way for young children. It also helps readers to reflect on the harm that can be caused by gender stereotypes.
Maple - When Maple is born her parents plant a tree in honor. She loves being outdoors with her tree and watching them grow together, but eventually learns that her tree is not the best playmate. But will her new baby sister be any better?
There’s Going to Be a Baby - Follow this big-brother-to-be as he imagines what life with a new baby will be like. You and your little one will love the silly scenes that this big brother imagines.
I Belong - a gorgeous book, full of affirmations about the special places that we hold in our families and friendships. This book is great for toddlers, twos and young preschoolers, because it helps promote their senses of belonging. Books like these are so important because they help children understand that they are safe and loved.
So Much! and Full, Full,Full of Love are two books by Trish Cooke that I love! Both books beautifully capture the love and sweetness between parents, grandparents, kids, grandkids, aunts, uncles and, cousins. The playful spirit of these books remind me so much of the excitement and energy that fills the house when my whole extended family gets together.
We Are Brothers, We Are Friends - This book had me and my daughter cracking up! Follow this big and little brother duo as they embark on adventures and take care of each other.
Cuddle Monkey - Lewis LOVES to cuddle. He would cuddle his mom and dad all day if he could. But when they get busy with his baby brother, Owen, Lewis has to wait. This sweet and colorful book is a great book for all big brothers and sisters.
Made For Me - The perfect book for all new dads! The lyrical text sweetly describes the joy, wonder, and challenges that unfold when a baby is born.
Little You - If I could take all of the wonder and joy of becoming a new parent, and wrap it all up into one story, it would be this one! This book is a peek into the early days of parenthood, filled with the sweetness of love as it blossoms between dad and baby.
Special Delivery! - This hilarious book is the perfect read for big siblings-to-be. Little Duck is waiting for her new baby brother to arrive. When the doorbell rings the delivery turtle drops off a baby mouse instead, followed by many other animals. This silly story reminds parents and big brothers and sisters, to expect the unexpected when a new baby comes.
The New Baby and Me! - This book is so perfect for big brothers and sisters-to-be! It captures the excitement and anticipation of welcoming a new sibling while celebrating the individuality of each member of the family. Follow along as these 5 brothers prepare for the arrival of their new sibling and imagine what he’ll be like.
Soon - In this sweet and gentle book, Mommy and sister mouse wait excitedly for the arrival of the new baby. The beautiful watercolor illustrations capture the wonder and excitement of becoming a big sister.
Disney’s Personalized Book About Siblings - Celebrate the arrival of a new sibling with a gorgeous personalized book! This story celebrates the best parts about being siblings with your child’s favorite Disney characters. Personalize the cover with any name(s) and have it featured throughout the book. You can add a photo of your children as well as a personal message. My daughter absolutely loves this book and seeing her name alongside Anna, Elsa, and her favorite Disney princesses.
You Are New - This book is super cute and colorful, and absolutely perfect for babies and big brothers or sisters-to-be. From naptime to meeting the family, to crying and everything in between, this book introduces and celebrates all the firsts.
My Brother The Duck - coming soon
Babies and IVF
I’m Very Ferris & I’m Very Ferris Takes a Bubble Bath - Meet Ferris, an adorable little boy conceived via IVF. In this series, Ferris tells the story of his very special beginnings, explaining it in ways that our young readers can understand. I love the way these books help explain and celebrate the parenting journey. If you or someone you love has experienced fertility challenges, you’ll find yourself reflected in the sweet and playful pages of these books.
To the Moon and Back for You - In this beautiful book author, Emilia Bechrakis Serhant, shares the story of her journey to motherhood. She describes the feelings she experienced through the ups and downs of fertility challenges and IVF. I love the way this book describes the difficulties that many parents face, and celebrates the entrance of miracle babies into the world.
Preemie Babies and Siblings in the NICU
This post would not be complete without mentioning some books about preemie babies and those who are in the NICU. If your little one is getting extra TLC in the NICU, we send you extra love and hope that these titles will be helpful to you and your family.
It can be scary and confusing for older siblings to see their little sister or brother in this setting. Waiting for Emma: A Brother’s Story, Our New Baby Is In The NICU, Waiting For Baby and My Baby Sister is A Preemie are all good books for older siblings, cousins etc. These titles help explain what premature means and how the doctors, nurses, medicines and hospital gear will help baby to grow stronger.
Quick Tips:
Preview these books before reading them with your child. This will help you decide if the length and wording are appropriate for him/her. It'll also help prepare you for questions and topics that may come up as you read.
Choose a time when you can read slowly with your child, let her/him look at the pictures and take in the words.
Be prepared for questions. Stop reading and listen when questions and comments come up. These will give you insight into what your child is feeling and thinking.
Be kind to yourself! Your world is changing and you probably have questions and fears of your own. There will be a big adjustment period for everyone, give yourself, your partner and your child(ren) love and patience.
Share your own feelings. When we show children that adults get nervous or scared too, they feel more comfortable expressing their own fears. Modeling healthy ways of sharing how we feel is important for all children.
You may not have all the answers to every question, and that’s ok. Just acknowledging your child's feelings goes a long way.
Here are some ideas for when you don't know what to say:
“That’s a good question.”
“I was wondering about that too.”
“Maybe we’ll find out when the baby comes?”
“I didn’t know you felt that way, but I'm glad you told me about that."
“We’ll learn about this together.”
“I get nervous/scared/upset sometimes too. This is what helps me feel better…”
“Talking about how I feel helps me feel a little better.
Be sure to share any concerns about your child with a trusted pediatrician, their teacher or caregiver. These professionals are a great resource and can offer advice or additional guidance.
Ask for help - family, friends, teachers and neighbors are all great resources. When my son was born, I found that the most helpful thing anyone could do for me was to give my older daughter love and attention. Teachers can keep these books on hand to read at school and help answer questions that may come up.
