Best Books to Help Your Toddler Deal with a New Baby in the Family

As a mommy to a 2 and 1/2 year old little girl, I want to do everything I can to parent in the best way possible. When we found out our only child would soon be a big sister, we wanted to let her in on the fun!

We decided that the best way to help our daughter adjust and understand what a new baby meant, was to read her books about it. My daughter loves to read. She enjoys looking at the pictures in a book and likes to snuggle up with her mommy or daddy. She has really enjoyed these three big sister books we have bought her.

The first book we love is called, I'm Going to be a Big Sister by Brenda Bercun . The book has adorable cartoon illustrations and helps the child understand the whole process from baby kicks, how to be safe around a new baby and what will happen we the baby is born. It is not very graphic and is just an enjoyable read. My daughter loves when the little girl in the book feels the baby kick in her mom's belly.

The second book we've enjoyed is called The New Baby at Your House by Joanna Cole. This book offers real photos instead of cartoon images. It shows pregnant moms, big brother and sisters, babies and Daddies. The book addresses some of the real emotions an older sibling can feel. It addresses the question of whether the mom and dad will still love them. It deals with jealousy and wanting to be a baby again - but it does it in a very graceful way. It encourages children that it's OK to feel many different things. My daughter's face is very serious when you read her this book. You can tell she is taking it all in and she really pays attention to it.

The last book we like is called My Heart is a Magic House by Julie Jacobs. This book has cartoon images and deals with a little animal wondering if her mom will have enough love for both her and the new baby. The book is a lighthearted way of dealing with a serious subject for a toddler. My daughter likes to talk about adding a new room in her heart for the baby.

We know it is hard for our daughter to make the transition to big sister. We've been trying to include her in baby things, make her feel special and address her emotional needs with these books. If you find yourself looking for a way to help your toddler make the transition to older sibling, I highly recommend picture books to open up a dialogue.