By 
Expert Reviewed By - Welcoming a new baby into the home is a big event for everyone, especially for big brothers and sisters-to-be.
Having to share their space and mum and dad with a new little person can be hard for young children as they struggle to deal with a whole range of emotions they probably do not understand or struggle to vocalize…
But by using books in these situations you can help your child become a great big sibling by showing them what to expect and how to behave.
In today’s article, I will share my favorite new sibling books that are perfect for helping young children get ready for this big change.
Table of Contents
My 5 Best New Sibling Books
One thing all these new sibling books have in common is that the stories are fun to read and can help explain what it means to have a new family member or to become an older sibling.
Books offer a gentle way for children to understand their new role and the changes that will inevitably come at home.
Preparation is key when smoothing the transition from an only child to an older sibling or just welcoming a younger sibling, so make sure you introduce these stories and discussions as soon as you can.
1. You Were The First By Patricia MacLachlan
If you’re seeking a heartwarming book to ease the arrival of a new sibling, this is a very touching choice.
You Were the First offers a tender narrative focusing on the unique role of a firstborn child. The inclusive illustrations support diverse families, making it a thoughtful choice for many readers. Its hardcover format ensures longevity, making it a keepsake book for any future siblings.
- Embraces the specialness of being the firstborn
- Inclusive illustrations reflecting diverse families
- High-quality hardcover design
- Beautifully written with poetic language
- Makes a great gift for firstborns
2. The New Baby By Mercer Mayer
This book is a heartwarming choice for little ones becoming big siblings.
"The New Baby" from the Little Critter series captures the essence of family changes in a comforting way as through the eyes of Little Critter, young readers explore thoughts and feelings about getting a new sibling. The story offers humor and understanding clearly and engagingly and has a message that resonates with children and parents alike, making it a gentle, enjoyable read.
- Relatable characters for young children
- Simple storytelling for preschool comprehension
- Helpful for explaining a new sibling's arrival
- Engaging and colorful illustrations
- Part of the beloved Little Critter series
3. I’m A Big Sister! By Caroline Jayne Church
This appealing book is a sweet choice for helping a child adjust to becoming a big sister.
"I Am a Big Sister" by Caroline Jayne Church celebrates the role of a new big sister with easy-to-understand language and charming illustrations. The simple narrative is perfect for preschool-aged children, capturing the special bond siblings share. Its durable design ensures it lasts through countless bedtime stories.
- Endearing illustrations
- Positive portrayal of sibling relationships
- Durable pages suitable for young children
- Simple language perfect for preschoolers
- Celebrates the excitement of becoming a big sister
- Suitable for children under the age of 3
4. You’re The Biggest By Lucy Tapper
This heartwarming book simplifies the big transition for soon-to-be siblings and is another one of my favorite new sibling books.
Some parents worry about their first child feeling left out when a new baby arrives. However, "You're The Biggest" celebrates the role of a new older sibling with sweet stories and charming pictures to make your child feel special.
It draws them into the excitement of becoming a big brother or sister and addresses some of the normal emotions they are likely to have to deal with.
- Affirming message for new older siblings
- Engaging illustrations
- Keepsake quality
- Includes a gift for the new baby
- Encourages positive sibling relationships
- Easy-to-read and understand
- Suitable for children under 4 years old
5. The Big Sibling Book: Baby’s First Year According to ME By Amy Krouse Rosenthal
The final book in my list is more interactive with your little one being able to get actively involved in the new sibling process.
The Big Sibling Book: Baby's First Year According to ME is unique with its interactive concept, allowing the older sibling to document the first year of the new baby’s life from their perspective. It focuses on how the older sibling feels about this significant event, helping them embrace their new role.
Younger toddlers may need some parental help to complete a few activities, but older toddlers and preschoolers should be able to fully engage with this special book. It creates a wonderful keepsake to be treasured by the whole family for years to come.
- Interactive book for child engagement
- Covers preparation of new sibling arrival and the first-year
- Creates a great keepsake for the older sibling
- Encourages creativity and expression
- Helps older siblings feel involved and important
- Fun activities that enhance bonding
The Best Books To Help Your Child Understand Pregnancy
Along with helping your little one get ready for the arrival of a new sibling, there is the all-important role that books can play in helping them understand all about pregnancy and the baby in mummy’s tummy!
Books can provide simple explanations and engaging stories that children can relate to.
A few of my favorites are:
- What’s in There?: All About Before You Were Born by Robie H. Harris. This book uses charming illustrations and clear language to explain how a baby develops, from conception to birth all while creating a healthy air of anticipation and joy for the arrival.
- For those with a scientific interest, 9 Months: Before a Baby is Born by Miranda Paul and Jason Chin provides a month-by-month look at a baby’s growth inside the womb with vivid illustrations that help young children understand how a baby develops before birth.
- Waiting for Baby by Rachel Fuller is part of a series of board books for toddlers expecting a new sibling. It has simple text and provides plenty of opportunities for discussion between parents and children.
All these books are wonderful resources that will help the younger members of the family get ready for the exciting changes that a new baby brings and will help parents and siblings in waiting bond.
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The Best Personalized New Sibling Book
When a new baby joins the family, a personalized book can make the older child feel special as it incorporates their details into the storyline.
Books like “A New Sibling For You” allow the story to be customized to fit your family’s narrative by adding sibling names and choosing character appearances.
The pages of this book are filled with friendly illustrations and simple language that helps explain concepts like feeding, sleeping, patience, and gentleness to your older child.
Personalized books are so much more than just stories. They’re keepsakes that grow with children and they remind them of a time when they were the star of their own story alongside their new sibling.
Features To Look For In Personalized Books:
- Names: Your child’s name on the cover and throughout the book.
- Appearance: Options to choose hair color, skin tone, and more.
- Activities: Scenes that show the siblings playing and sharing together.
- Content: Stories that talk about the emotions relating to becoming a new sibling.
Buying Guide For Choosing Books About The Arrival Of A New Sibling
When looking for books about new siblings… the most relevant and important thing is to consider your child’s age.
- Focus on the message. Ask yourself if the sibling story is positive and if it helps your little one prepare for a new baby. The book should encourage bonding and an understanding of how a young child feels when preparing for the arrival of a new sibling while emphasizing the positives.
- How is the story portrayed? Pictures and simple words are best for younger children while for older children you should look for stories with more text and deeper themes about family and emotions. Illustrations should be engaging and age-appropriate and the language must be easy for the child to understand and relate to. Rhyming stories work wonderfully for children of all ages.
- Consider the format of the book. Hardcover books last longer, but paperbacks are lighter and easier for children to handle. Board books are ideal for babies and toddlers because they are durable and safe for them to explore with their hands and mouths. Interactive elements like flaps or pull-tabs are ideal for keeping younger children engaged. Meanwhile, older kids might prefer chapter books that explore sibling relationships in more depth.
- Check discussion points and activities. New sibling books exist to help parents talk about a new sibling with their child by starting important conversations and making the reading experience more interactive. So make sure the book matches your ideals and the narrative you want to teach your child.
Remember, the best new sibling book is one that fits your child’s unique interests and your family values.
Make the anticipation and arrival of your new baby a joyous experience by enlisting the wonderful world of books.
Happy reading!
Frequently Asked Questions About New Sibling Books
When a new baby arrives, it’s a big change for everyone. We understand there are many questions about personalized books for siblings, resources for parents, and sibling reactions.
Q: What resources are available for parents to navigate the transition to having multiple children?
A: Many resources exist, such as books, websites, and support groups, to help navigate this transition. Parenting classes and workshops specifically address adding a new member to the family. Therapists and counselors can also provide individualized support.
Q: How do siblings react to new babies?
A: Reactions can vary widely among siblings when a new baby arrives. Some may show excitement and curiosity, while others may exhibit confusion or indifference. Some will find the whole process very overwhelming and may start acting out or become aggressive. All of these reactions are normal.
Q: Do older siblings get jealous of the new baby?
A: Jealousy is a common feeling among older siblings as they may feel like the new baby is getting more attention. You can help by spending quality one-on-one time with the older child and involving them in caring for the new sibling.
Q: What is the most common reaction of a toddler to a new sibling?
A: A toddler’s most common reaction can include curiosity, excitement, or clinginess. We may also see some regression in behavior as they seek extra attention or struggle with sharing their parents’ affection with the new baby.
Q: What is a sibling regression?
A: Sibling regression is when an older sibling starts to act younger once a new baby arrives. This might include behaviors like thumb-sucking or bed-wetting. They may be trying to tell us they need extra love and attention during this changing time and they naturally feel that baby behaviors appear to get more attention.
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A bedtime & nap cheat sheet so good your little one will ask you to put them to bed...
Laura Williams "This is a life saver! I'm so glad I downloaded your bedtime & nap cheat sheet. My little one actually asked me to put him to bed last night! Unbelievable! Thank you so much!"
Click Here For The FREE Cheat Sheet
