Becoming a big brother or sister? How to gently prepare your child for a new baby

A new baby is on the way. A special time full of preparation and change. But it isn't just parents whose lives are about to shift. For your child a new adventure is starting too: becoming a big brother or big sister.

For some children that feels exciting straight away. For others it takes a bit of getting used to. Mum has less energy, everyone is talking about the baby, and soon attention will need to be shared.

That's exactly why it helps to gently bring your child along in what's coming. In a calm, positive and recognizable way. A personalized book about becoming a big brother or sister can really help with that.

Why preparation matters

Children love clarity and recognition. Especially young children understand big changes better when they are explained step by step.

When you talk together about the baby and what will change, it can help with:

• less anxiety around the baby's arrival
• a stronger sense of involvement
• feeling proud of the new role as big brother or sister
• space to ask questions and share feelings
• an easier transition to the new family situation

Why a book works so well

Children process a lot through stories. In a book they see situations that look like their own life. That makes something new feel less scary.

In a story about becoming a big brother or sister, your child can recognize:

• mum with a baby in her belly • helping to get ready • waiting for the birth • being gentle around the baby • growing into the new role together

And the best part: through a story it doesn't feel like an "explanation", it feels like a cozy moment together on the couch.

A regular book is nice. But a personalized book often makes an even bigger impression. Imagine your own child being the main character. Not a random boy or girl, but with their own name, a look that resembles your child, recognizable details from your family and a story that fits your situation.

Want the book to fully match the new baby's birth announcement card? You can — read: https://boekjesatelier.nl/en/blog/from-birth-announcement-to-childrens-book

That makes the story personal and relatable. Children often listen extra carefully when the story really feels like it's about them.

What such a story can look like

At BoekjesAtelier we make books, for example, where the story begins while mum is still pregnant.

Your child gets ready for the baby's arrival: gives kisses on mum's belly, practises talking softly and picks out a cuddly toy for the baby.

And once the baby is here, your child turns out to be the sweetest big brother or sister: tiptoeing through the hallway, comforting the baby with a soft toy and standing proudly next to the pram.

That way your child grows naturally into the new role. Below you can flip through an example book in which Remy becomes a big brother.

Room for mixed feelings too

Not every child finds it only fun straight away. That's normal. Some children feel proud and jealous. Happy and unsure. Curious and a little upset.

A book can help start a conversation:

• "Do you ever feel a bit nervous about it too?" • "What seems fun about being a big brother?" • "Shall we help out together later?"

That way reading together also becomes a moment of connection.

It often helps to start during the pregnancy. For instance once the bump becomes visible, or when your child starts asking questions. Read the book together regularly afterwards — repetition gives calm and confidence. After the birth it stays valuable too: your child will suddenly recognize everything from the story.

Next to preparation, it is also simply a special keepsake of this phase. Later it is wonderful to look back: "Do you remember? When you became a big sister."

Looking for inspiration for a personal newborn gift for the baby too? Take a look at: https://boekjesatelier.nl/en/blog/best-personalized-newborn-gifts

Want to make a personalized book yourself?

Want to lovingly prepare your child for the arrival of a little brother or sister?

At BoekjesAtelier you create a personal book in which your child plays the leading role as a big brother or big sister. A lovely gift for now and a keepsake for later.