Welcoming a New Baby: Tips for Introducing Your Child to Their New Sibling

Bringing home a new baby is an exciting time—but it can also be a big adjustment, especially for your older child. At Imagine Early Education and Childcare, we understand how important it is to support children through life’s big transitions. Welcoming a new sibling is one of those milestones that comes with joy, change, and lots of emotions.

With a little preparation, patience, and love, you can help your child feel secure, included, and proud to become a big brother or sister. Here are some gentle tips for introducing your child to their new baby sibling:

👶 1. Talk About the Baby Early

Start the conversation while you’re still expecting. Use simple, age-appropriate language to explain what’s happening:

• “The baby is growing in Mommy’s belly.”
• “When the baby comes, they’ll be very little and need lots of help.”

Read books about new siblings and look at baby pictures together to help your child understand what to expect.

📚 Books We Love:

• “I’m a Big Brother” or “I’m a Big Sister” by Joanna Cole
• “The New Baby” by Mercer Mayer
• “Hello in There!” by Jo Witek

🍼 2. Involve Them in Baby Prep

Let your child feel like an important part of the process:

• Invite them to help pick out baby clothes or toys
• Let them decorate the baby’s room or make a special gift
• Talk about what it means to be a “big helper” or a “big sibling”

This creates a sense of pride and inclusion—two things that can ease feelings of jealousy or worry.

🧸 3. Acknowledge Their Feelings

It’s completely normal for children to feel excited one minute and unsure the next. Let them know it’s okay to have big feelings:

• “It’s okay to miss having Mommy and Daddy all to yourself.”
• “You’re still just as special, even when we’re busy with the baby.”
• “You can always talk to us about how you feel.”

Offer extra hugs and reassurance when things feel overwhelming.

🎁 4. Plan a Special “Sibling Moment”

When the baby arrives, help your child feel celebrated too:

• Have the baby “give” a small gift to their big sibling
• Let your child bring a drawing or stuffed animal to the hospital or first meeting
• Take a family photo with everyone together to mark the moment

Even small gestures can make a big impact on helping your child feel included.

⏰ 5. Keep Their Routine as Consistent as Possible

Children find comfort in predictability. As much as possible, try to keep their daily schedule the same:

• Regular mealtimes, naps, and bedtime routines
• Drop-off and pick-up at Imagine, or playtime with familiar friends
• One-on-one time with a parent or loved one, even just 10–15 minutes a day

The consistency will help them feel secure, even during this time of change.

💚 6. Celebrate the Big Sibling Role

Talk about all the ways your child can be a great big brother or sister:

• Helping bring a diaper
• Singing to the baby
• Making silly faces to make the baby giggle

Praise their efforts and highlight the unique bond they’ll build with their new sibling.

🌟 We’re Here to Support Your Family

At Imagine Early Education and Childcare, we love celebrating the growth of your family. Let us know if your child is expecting a new sibling—we’re happy to support them with stories, activities, and extra emotional care in the classroom.

Welcoming a new sibling is a big adventure for your child—and for you! With lots of love, a little planning, and plenty of snuggles, your family will grow stronger and closer through this special time.

From all of us at Imagine, congratulations on your growing family! ❤️