Books to Prepare Your Child to Become a Big Brother or Big Sister

If a child is older than about 2, welcoming a new sibling can be a very difficult transition. Less attention from mom and dad, odd changes around the house, and a whole lot of added noise may cause even the most excited big brother or sister to become jaded with the new baby. Preparing your older child before the birth of a new sibling is a very important step in making the transition from one child to two or more! These librarian and mom recommended books are great for helping prepare your child for becoming an older brother or sister.

I'm a Big Brother and I'm a Big Sister by Ronne Randall. These two books, each specified depending on the child's gender, are great for preparing your child for the birth of a new baby. One of the best aspects of these books is that they deal with the fact that the new baby won't be a playmate for quite some time after he or she is born. Most new big sisters and brothers look forward to having a new playmate, but mom and dad know that the newborn won't do a thing, save eating, crying, and dirtying diapers, for several months. These books help prepare your older child for the idea that their new sibling will do very little for the first several months of his or her life.

Brand New Baby Blues by Kathi Appelt. The sing-songy rhyme of this book for children who are about to become big brothers or big sisters will keep their attention throughout the pages. The new big sister featured in this book is simply not happy with her new baby brother who is sleeping in her old bed, wearing her old clothes, and even using her old teddy bear. A great look at how new siblings have to adapt to sharing their possessions with the baby, this book is great to help prepare new siblings for the negative emotions they may feel when the new baby arrives, and starts using their old stuff.

A New Baby Is Coming!: A Guide for a Big Brother or Sister by Emily Menendez-Aponte. This book is especially good for helping prepare older children for the arrival of a new sibling. Rather than being a story about a child who has a new brother or sister, this book looks at specific issues, ideas, and challenges that will come with the arrival of a new baby. Older children will feel special and really a part of the new family transition after reading this book and learning more about what to expect when the baby arrives. This book is also helpful for parents who are seeking to transition their first born from an only child to one with a little brother or sister.

Kids are adaptable and resilient, but bringing a new sibling into the family can be one of the most difficult events of childhood (and parenthood!). Help prepare your child, as well as yourself, for the arrival of a new baby with these great children's books.