Several readers have asked how we’re preparing Clara for a younger sibling. Aside from giving her a baby-boy doll after we learned we were expecting a boy (she still adores Captain Barnacles), we’ve been taking gentle, practical steps to help her adjust.
Mostly, we talk with her about what it will be like to be a big sister. She’s genuinely excited and often says she wants to “give him bottles and change his diapers and carry him like this and share my toys.” We try to include her in little tasks that relate to the baby, so she feels involved and important. For example, she got to pick out a stuffed toy for her brother (she chose one with a mustache) which made her feel proud and responsible.
We also let her help with preparing the nursery, like assembling furniture together. That hands-on engagement gives her a sense of ownership over the new space and helps the baby feel like part of the family before he even arrives.
Another thing we’ve done is read books about becoming an older sibling. A few favorites we’ve been sharing with Clara are:
I’m A Big Sister – This book does a nice job of celebrating the perks of being older. It shows specific, fun ways big sisters can help, like pushing a stroller or assisting with diaper changes, and it gently acknowledges that babies get lots of attention while reminding big kids of special treats they get too—like an ice cream page that makes the point that babies can’t have ice cream. It captures that mix of pride and occasional envy younger siblings may feel.
You Were The First – This one is incredibly sweet and always brings me to tears. It’s a comforting way to reassure Clara that she’ll always be cherished. The book walks through all the “firsts” parents share with their first child and reassures the older sibling that those memories and that special place in the family remain.
The Berenstain Bears’ New Baby – This Berenstain Bears title focuses a lot on the practical shifts that happen when a new baby arrives, like moving to a different bed, and it treats the new arrival as part of a broader family transition. The plot has some funny bits—Clara especially laughs at the scene where the little sister punches her big brother in the nose—so it’s become a favorite for its humor as much as its message.
These three books have been helpful and heartwarming tools as we get Clara ready for her baby brother. If you have other sibling-themed picture books you recommend, we’d love to hear them—we’re always looking for more gentle, reassuring reads to share with her.