Books about a new baby sibling for big brothers and sisters
Thirteen books for the soon-to-be big brother or sister: some to read while you wait, some for the first weeks home, and some for the jealous days that often come after.
Good books about a new baby sibling help an older child rehearse the change. Before the baby comes, read Waiting for Baby by Rachel Fuller or Hello in There! by Jo Witek. For the first weeks home, try Lola Reads to Leo. For jealousy, Peter’s Chair by Ezra Jack Keats and Julius, the Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes are classics. The AAP recommends reading books about newborns and siblings before the baby arrives.
A new baby changes everything for an older child, and they usually know it before anyone explains it. Books about a new baby sibling give them a way to rehearse: what the baby will look like, why it cries so much, why Mom has less time, and that being the big one has its own good parts. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exactly this, reading children’s books about newborns and siblings before the baby arrives. Below are 13 real books about becoming a big brother or big sister, for toddlers through age 8, sorted by when they help most.
Every title is a published book we checked against the publisher or the library record. Most are easy to find at your local library.
What books about a new baby sibling can do
The AAP’s guidance on preparing older children for a new baby is reassuring, and it lines up with what good books do:
- Toddlers (1 to 2) may not understand much, but they pick up on your excitement. Books help them learn words such as sister, brother and new baby.
- Preschoolers (2 to 4) are still learning to share and may feel they need to compete for your attention. The AAP suggests being honest: the baby will be cute, but will also cry and take a lot of your time.
- School-age children (5 and up) are usually less threatened by a new baby, but may resent the attention the baby gets.
So we picked books for each stage: some to read while you wait, some for the first weeks home, and some for the jealous, mixed-up feelings that often come later.
Books for toddlers getting a sibling: while you wait
These are for the months before the baby comes, when “a baby in Mommy’s tummy” is hard to picture.
1. Waiting for Baby
A sturdy board book in which a toddler and a very pregnant mom read about babies, sort hand-me-downs, buy new toys, visit the doctor and wait. The simple text is designed to start conversations, and it is part of a four-book series that follows the baby’s arrival too.
2. Hello in There!: A Big Sister’s Book of Waiting
A little girl is so eager to be a big sister that she starts early: singing to the baby (loudly), and telling it about all the great things waiting outside, like cupcakes and swimming. Playful flaps show the baby tucked away inside. Sweet, funny and very hopeful.
3. There’s Going to Be a Baby
As the seasons pass, a boy and his mother talk about the baby. She wonders if it will grow up to be a chef, an artist or a zookeeper, and he imagines it all, while not quite sure they really need a baby at all. By the time the baby comes, he is ready. Honest and warm.
4. I’m a Big Sister and I’m a Big Brother
Two companion books, one for each, in which a child welcomes the new baby home and talks about the good things about already being big. Short, simple and reassuring, they work well from age 2.
When the baby comes home
The first weeks are full of change. These books show an older child helping, being loved and still having a place.
5. Big Brother Daniel
Based on a special episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Daniel Tiger learns to be a big brother to Baby Margaret, who is very little and needs lots of care from Mom and Dad. If your child already loves Daniel, this is the easiest possible start.
6. Lola Reads to Leo
Lola reads storybooks to her new baby brother, Leo, and even though Mommy and Daddy are busy, they still make time to read to Lola at bedtime. A lovely way to give a big sibling a real job, and to promise them that some things stay the same.
7. The New Baby
Little Critter finds that the new baby takes some getting used to, but is worth it. A familiar, gentle classic that a lot of parents remember from their own childhood.
8. On Mother’s Lap
A small boy loves rocking on his mother’s lap with all his favorite things, and worries there will not be room when the baby joins them. Mother’s lap turns out to have room for everyone. A simple, comforting book for the moment your child sees the baby in your arms.
Books for jealous big brothers and sisters (ages 3 to 8)
Jealousy is normal, and the AAP notes that older children may even regress for a while. These stories let children see their own feelings in someone else, and see that the feelings pass.
9. Peter’s Chair
Peter’s old furniture is being painted pink for his new baby sister, so he rescues the last unpainted thing, his little chair, and runs away. What he discovers about the chair, and about himself, makes this one of the kindest books ever written about growing up a little.
10. A Baby Sister for Frances
When things change around the house after her baby sister Gloria is born, Frances the badger decides to run away, but not too far. Her parents’ calm, loving response is a model for grown-ups too.
11. Julius, the Baby of the World
Lilly is convinced that her new baby brother is the worst thing that has ever happened in their house, until Cousin Garland comes to visit and says something about Julius that Lilly will not stand for. Hilarious and very true to life, for ages 4 to 8.
12. Pecan Pie Baby
Gia is tired of hearing everyone talk about the new baby and worries about how her life with her mother will change. It names the sadness of a child who liked things just the way they were, without making her the bad guy.
13. You Were the First
A love letter to firstborns: the first smile, the first steps, and the fact that they were the one who taught their parents to be parents. Read it after the baby arrives to remind your oldest that their place is theirs for good.
How to use these books
- Start early, and repeat. A few months before the due date is plenty. Rereading the same book lets your child practice the idea.
- Bring out their baby photos. The AAP suggests reminding your child about when they were a baby. Reading You Were the First next to a baby album is a sweet combination.
- Let feelings in. If your child says, like Lilly, that the baby is the worst, try “It’s hard sharing Mom and Dad, isn’t it?” before correcting them.
- Give them a role. Reading to the baby, like Lola, is a real job a three year old can do.
When to talk to your pediatrician
The AAP notes that some regression is normal: a toilet-trained child might start having accidents, or want a bottle again. It is your older child’s way of making sure they still have your love and attention. Respond with patience rather than “act your age,” and set aside some one-on-one time each day. If the changes are big, last a long time or you are simply worried, bring it up with your pediatrician. And accept help for yourself, too: the AAP reminds parents that they are adjusting as well.
Siblings tend to argue later, too. Our guide to sibling rivalry covers that stage, and for when the oldest starts asking where money comes from, see how to teach kids about money.
Questions parents ask
What is a good book to prepare a toddler for a new sibling?
For ages 2 to 4, Waiting for Baby by Rachel Fuller is a sturdy board book that walks through the months of waiting, and Hello in There! by Jo Witek is a playful lift-the-flap story about a girl eager to be a big sister. I’m a Big Sister and I’m a Big Brother by Joanna Cole are simple, reassuring classics.
When should I start reading books about a new baby to my child?
A few months before the due date works well, especially once your child starts noticing the growing belly or the nursery. The AAP recommends reading children’s books about newborns and siblings before the baby arrives, and continuing afterward.
Is it normal for my child to regress after the new baby arrives?
Yes. The AAP notes that a toilet-trained child might start having accidents, or might want a bottle again. It is their way of making sure they still have your love and attention. Patience, praise for grown-up behavior and daily one-on-one time help. Talk to your pediatrician if you are worried.
What books help with jealousy of a new baby?
Peter’s Chair by Ezra Jack Keats, Julius, the Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes and A Baby Sister for Frances by Russell Hoban all show an older child who feels pushed aside and comes around. Pecan Pie Baby by Jacqueline Woodson is a gentle pick for a child who is sad that things are changing.
Sources
Written by the WonderLab Journal editorial desk and checked against the sources above. Found something out of date? Tell us through the corrections page.
