Gifts for a New Big Brother or Sister

A new baby is a big change for any family, especially for a sibling-to-be. It's important to make the new big brother or sister not feel like he or she is being replaced by the new baby, or that the new baby will be getting all the attention. So it's nice to get him or her some older sibling gifts.

Baby Doll

This gift is great because it gives your child a chance to experience what a new baby might be like. Give this gift to your child soon after you announce your pregnancy to your child. Tell her that she can practice taking care of this new baby doll, so that when her brother or sister comes along, she'll be able to help more. Help her dress the baby, "feed" and "change" the baby, and put it to sleep. If you find out the sex of the new baby, let your child pick out some pink or blue doll clothes. The doll is also helpful for teaching your child how to be gentle with the new baby.

Big Kid Toy

Now that your child is going to be a big brother, he'll appreciate being told he's a big boy now. To make him feel this way, get him a new toy that is a step-up from his usual toys. Maybe he's almost the right age to start learning to ride a bike. Or maybe he's just about ready to switch from a toddler bike to a bike for older kids. For an older sibling-to-be, you may think it's time to get him a video game console. If there's a toy he's been asking for, and you've told him he can get it when he's older, now might be a good time to get it for him. Tell him, "Now that you're going to be a big brother, I think it's time we get you the toy/ game that you wanted."

Older Sibling Shirt

Especially if she can read, a big sister-to-be might like a shirt that announces her new status. It also makes a fun way to announce your pregnancy to relatives. She'll have fun wearing her shirt and showing it to her friends at school. After you have the baby, she might like a shirt that announces that she is now a big sister, and perhaps has the baby's name and picture on it. This will make her feel included and excited about the new arrival.

Older Sibling Book

Another good present to get is a book about big brothers. There are several books that teach kids about being an older sibling . For toddlers and young children, there are the books I'm a Big Brother and I'm a Big Sister by Joanna Cole, which explain what having a new baby will be like and the new big brother or sister's role in the family. There are also the books When I'm a Big Brother and When I'm a Big Sister by Bruce Lansky. These books are good for children ages 4 and up. These books include a place to put your child's photo so he stars in the book, and questions you can ask your child so he can express his thoughts and feelings regarding the new baby.