Children's Books: For Preparing Siblings

When families grow, many parents ask me about ways to prepare their children for the birth of and the adjustment to their new sibling. I have a few favorite books that I recommend to parents for these very reasons.

Baby on the Way

by Martha Sears, William Sears, and Christie Watts Kelly

illustrated by Renee Andriani

This book discusses pregnancy, changes in the house when a new baby is expected, a bit about labor, parents going off to "the place where the baby will be born", nursing, and sibling emotions.

What Baby Needs

also by Martha Sears, William Sears, and Christie Watts Kelly
illustrated by Renee Andriani

This book discusses the changes that occur in families when a new baby is born, skin-to-skin time, nursing, bottle feeding by other parent, co-sleeping, babywearing, welcoming the new baby into the family circle, making friends with the new baby, well baby checks, and a general baby's development in relation to interaction with siblings.

Waiting for Baby

by Anne Kubler

This book is a sweet illustrated book (no words) about pregnancy for a future sibling.

My New Baby

also by Anne Kubler

This is another sweet, illustrated book (no words) about a new sibling.

Welcome with Love

by Jenni Overend

illustrated by Julie Vivas

This book is a lovely homebirth book from a child's perspective.