A few people have asked how we’re preparing Clara for a baby brother. Besides getting her a baby boy doll when we learned it was a boy (she still adores Captain Barnacles), we’ve been gently involving her in the process and talking about what it will be like to be a big sister.
Mostly we talk about the fun parts of being an older sibling. Clara gets excited about “giving him bottles and changing his diapers and carrying him like this and sharing my toys.” We’ve let her help select a stuffed toy for the baby—she picked one with a mustache—and she joined in putting together furniture for his nursery, which made her feel involved and important.
We’ve also been reading books about new siblings to help prepare her emotionally. A few titles we’ve enjoyed are pictured below.
I’m A Big Sister – This book does a nice job of celebrating the perks of being older. It highlights things big kids can do, like pushing a stroller and helping with diaper changes, and it gently addresses the natural envy a sibling might feel by showing special treats for big kids—like getting ice cream—things babies can’t do. It’s an upbeat way to point out how being older comes with its own fun responsibilities and rewards.
You Were The First – This one’s very sweet and always makes me tear up. It’s a comforting reminder that a firstborn will always be uniquely loved, even when a new baby arrives. The story gently chronicles all the “firsts” a parent shares with their first child and reassures that those moments remain special.
The Berenstain Bears’ New Baby – We laugh that this could be called “The Berenstain Bears Build a Bed,” since a big part of the plot involves the older brother moving into a bigger bed and the new baby taking his old one. The actual birth happens offstage while the brother is out in the woods, and the baby appears at home later—so the story is more about adjustment than the birth itself. Clara gets a kick out of the scene where the baby punches her brother in the nose; it always makes her laugh.
Those three sibling-themed books have become favorites at our house and have helped Clara feel included and excited. If you have other recommendations for gentle, reassuring books about new siblings, we’d love to hear them—always looking to add more to our reading pile.