Books about Becoming a Big Brother or Sister
Books to Read to Your Toddler Before Baby Arrives
The months ahead of the birth of your second baby are spent preparing the baby's new room and bringing out the old baby clothes. They should also be spent preparing your first child to become a big brother or sister. This can be done in many ways. Talking about what a big sister or brother is one way. Also, giving your child plenty of opportunity to be around other babies will help as well.
Books to Read your Toddler about Becoming a Big Sister or Brother
Another way to help is to read books to your toddler about becoming a big brother or sister. Reading about the transition gives your child an idea of what it is going to be like when the new baby arrives.
Little Rabbit's New Baby by Harry Horse. This is a long picture book best for preschoolers. Little Rabbit's mother has triplets!
The New Baby by Mercer Mayer. This is part of the "Little Critter" series by Mayer. It is a fun book that introduces a toddler to the best aspect of being a big brother or sister.
My Baby and Me! by Lynn Reiser. Photographs show big sisters and brothers with their baby brothers and sisters doing everyday things.
My New Baby by Annie Kubler. This is a wordless board book but is a wonderful way to strike up a conversation with your child. It also shows a mother nursing her baby which allows a parent to introduce the idea of breast feeding to their curious toddler.
When I Was King by Linda Ashman. A new baby disrupts the household of a new big brother. He learns that they both can be "king."
Additional Books to Read to your Toddler About the New Baby
The Night Before the New Baby by Natasha Wing.
Sophie and the New Baby by Laurence Anholt.
The New Baby at Our House by Joanna Cole
How to be a Baby- by Me, the big sister by Sally Lloyd-Jones
Big Sister Dora! by Alison Inches
Best-Ever Big Sister by Karen Katz
Best-Ever Big Brother by Karen Katz
Just Like Me by Marjorie Newman
Reading these books and then discussing with your toddler what a new baby means to him or her is an important way to prepare your child for the new baby.
Books about Babies
Toddlers like books about babies so simply reading books that feature babies is also a great way for your toddler to get used to the idea of a new baby coming into the house.
Ten Stinky Babies by Ellen Olson-Brown. Babies in a daycare all get their diaper changed.
Ten Tiny Babies by Karen Katz. Babies are getting ready for bed in this wonderfully rhythmic book for toddlers.
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox. Whimsical illustrations makes this an attractive picture book for any toddler.
Making the transition from only child to big brother or sister can be difficult. Help your child with this transition by preparing ahead of time with great books.
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