Welcoming a New Baby

For many children, welcoming a new baby, a younger sibling, is something they are likely to experience during their childhood. Half-siblings, adopted siblings and foster siblings are all big changes in a family. Here are some books to read that might help the kiddos in your life have their questions answered, and provide a conversational opportunity for parents and children to talk about what it will mean to welcome a new member to the family!

Waiting for Baby
illustrated by Rachel Fuller
Questions within the text are designed to open up dialogue between parents and the new big brother or sister. The board book format and simple text makes the book especially friendly for toddlers.

Other titles in this series:
My New Baby
Look at Me!
You and Me

Favorite Characters Welcome New Babies
Some of kids' favorite characters have also welcomed new brothers and sisters, here are some great titles from popular series.

Arthur's Baby by Marc Brown
Julius: The Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes
The Berenstain Bears' New Baby by Stan and Jan Berenstain

Where Babies Come From
Non-fiction books are also great to share with your kids. Mommy's pregnancy is likely to bring up questions about where babies come from, so this is a great chance to explain the science behind it and begin a healthy family dialogue about human sexuality. Here are some great non-fiction titles that are developmentally appropriate for 3-6 year olds.

Who am I? Where Did I Come From? by Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer (best for 5+)
How Are Babies Made? by Alastair Smith
Where Do Babies Come From? by Angela Royston for DK
First Comes Love by Jennifer Davis (best for 4+)