Several people have asked how we’re preparing Clara for a new baby brother. Beyond giving her a baby boy doll when we learned it was a boy, most of our preparation has been simple and conversation-based. We’ve talked a lot about what it will mean to be a big sister, and she’s genuinely excited to “give him bottles and change his diapers and carry him like this and share my toys.” Those small, everyday conversations seem to be helping her imagine what life with a sibling will feel like.
We’ve also tried to involve her in gentle, positive ways so she feels included in the process. For example, we let her pick out a stuffed toy for her brother — she chose a little one with a mustache — and she helped with assembling furniture for his nursery. Those kinds of activities make the arrival feel like a family project and give her specific roles that reinforce her importance and contribution.
In addition to hands-on tasks, we’ve been reading books about new siblings together. Reading gives her language to express her feelings and helps normalize the big changes ahead. Here are the few books we’ve been enjoying and why they’ve worked well for our family:
I’m A Big Sister – This book focuses on the positive aspects of being the older sibling. It highlights the things big kids can do, like pushing a stroller or helping with diaper changes, while also acknowledging that babies get special treatment in certain ways. One memorable page shows the big sister getting ice cream, which babies can’t have. That balance — showing what babies enjoy while celebrating the unique privileges of being older — helps address any underlying envy and gives Clara a sense of what she’ll be able to do that her brother won’t.
You Were The First – This one is especially moving and often makes me cry. It’s a gentle reminder of how much love and attention the first child received, which feels important to reinforce as we prepare to add another child to the family. The story walks through the many “firsts” that happened with the older sibling and reassures them that those memories and that special bond remain unique. For us, it’s a sweet way to tell Clara she’ll always be our first little one and that she’ll always hold a special place in our hearts.
The Berenstain Bears’ New Baby – This classic has a more practical, transitional feel. Much of the plot centers on the older brother moving from his small bed into a larger one and how the baby ends up with his old bed. Some of the events unfold in a slightly quirky way — for instance, the baby appears at home partway through — but Clara loves this story, especially the humorous moment when the little sister punches her big brother in the nose. That scene consistently makes her laugh, and the lighthearted tone helps her approach the idea of sibling rivalry with a smile.
Overall, combining everyday conversations, inclusive activities like choosing toys and helping with nursery tasks, and age-appropriate books has made the idea of a new sibling more tangible and less intimidating for Clara. The books provide gentle lessons about sharing attention and finding special roles as the older child, while the hands-on involvement builds excitement and belonging. We’re keeping things open, answering her questions honestly, and giving her space to feel a range of emotions — curiosity, excitement, and even the occasional concern — so she knows it’s normal to have mixed feelings.
We’ve found that consistent, simple approaches work best: talk, include, read, and offer small responsibilities. If you have other book recommendations or ideas for helping a toddler prepare for a new sibling, we’d love to hear them. Sharing resources and experiences makes this transition easier for everyone.