Making Room for Baby!
We’re getting ready for 2 new babies over here. No, not twins! But both of us are expecting babies in a few weeks. With that being said, amongst the usual preparation one makes for a new baby, we are trying to make sure that the older siblings feel absolutely included in the process. This means talking about baby names, picking out clothes, books and toys. But most importantly, discussing how life will change when the new baby gets here and how that might make them “feel”. Don’t underestimate the ability for young children to express big emotions. We’re using these books to help our children talk about and laugh about what happens when a new baby comes home.
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The Big Sibling Getaway by Korrie Leer
A little girl is not impressed by her new baby. He cries so much. So she uses her imagination to escape in a cardboard box. She drives on the highway, sails the high seas, and soars in a hot air balloon. But everywhere she goes she can still hear him crying until she decides to go to outer space. She soon decided that outer space isn’t all that great by herself, so she comes home. Once home she decides that when he is older her little brother can getaway with her.
Mama’s Belly by Kate Hosford
An inquisitive young girl ask her mother and father questions about her sister growing in mama’s belly. These beautiful illustrations take us on a journey that helps children to understand that waiting for baby is a wonderful time to prepare for new changes. The young girl helps to make a new blanket for her sister, she sings her songs and asks if she will have freckles. This book invites young children to be excited about the wonderful changes a new baby brings.
Peter’s Chair by Ezra Jack Keats
Peter’s life has changed because he has a new sister. But his sister is using his old things, like his cradle and high chair. Peter talks to himself about how his sister now has his things. He tries to protect the one thing they haven’t painted pink yet, his chair. Peter decides to leave home, but they don’t make it very far. Peter’s parents are empathetic and make a game of finding him.
The New Small Person by Lauren Child
Elmore starts off as an only child. But then a small person joins his family. This small person changes everything, Elmore can’t even get mad at the small person. As the small person grows up it wants to be just like Elmore. It follows Elmore everywhere and even moves into his room. By the end of the story Elmore accepts the new person as his little brother.
On Mother’s Lap by Ann Herbert Scott
A young boy collects some of his favorite items to hold while he rocks on his mother’s lap. There is room for all of his toys and him but when it’s time for his baby sister to join the lap, he doesn’t think there will be enough room. But it all works out in the end!
Julius the Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes
Lily’s parents are so impressed by Julius. They think he is the baby of the world, by Lily is not impressed at all. She is waiting for Julius to leave their house, but he just won’t leave. Lily says some very mean things to baby Julius when her parents are not around. Why can Julius do things that Lily is not allowed to do? This book may not be for every family, but if you have an older child that is resentful about having a new baby, this may be just the book for them.
Berenstain Bears New Baby by Stan & Jan Berenstain
This is an older story, maybe you even read it when you were a child. Brother bear is growing up and needs a new bed. He seems unaware that mama bear is going to have a new baby. This book is wonderful for children who haven’t quite grasped the concept of new sibling yet. You will need to fill in some gaps as far as bringing home baby, but Brother Bear’s innocence is cute and you may see it in your own children as well.
Little Brothers Little Sisters by Monica Arnaldo
Follow these siblings around the neighborhood as the younger ones try to keep up with the older ones. Sometimes being a younger sibling is tough, but part way through the story the older siblings have a change of heart. Watch how their relationship changes.
Many of these books are available as read alouds on YouTube or eBook or AudioBook downloads from your Local Library System.