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. For your child a new adventure is starting too: becoming a big brother or big sister.

Many parents start looking for a personalized book for a big brother or big sister: a story where their child recognizes themselves and can gently practise the new role.

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 is why it helps to 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 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

Through a story it does not feel like an explanation, but like a moment together on the couch.

In a personalized book, your own child is the main character, with their own name, a look that resembles your child, recognizable details from your family and a story that fits your situation.

Want to compare regular picture books on this subject first? Our five favourites, with an age per book, are in The best books about becoming a big brother or big sister.

Want the book to fully match the new baby’s birth announcement card? You can, read: From Birth Announcement to Personalized Children's Book

Children often listen extra carefully when the story is about them.

When does this kind of book work well?

A personalized book is especially valuable when your child cannot yet fully picture the change. It makes the baby more concrete and gives words to what is going to happen.

This kind of book often works well when:

• your child starts asking questions about the baby or mum's belly
• your child is sensitive to changes in attention, rhythm, or routines
• you want to introduce the role of big brother or big sister in a calm and positive way
• you want to practise being gentle, waiting, helping, and sharing together
• you want a personal keepsake from the period before the baby arrives

Example: Remy becomes a big brother

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

In the example book, Remy is the main character. He gets ready for the baby’s arrival: he gives kisses on mum’s belly, practises talking softly, and picks out a cuddly toy for the baby.

And once the baby is here, Remy grows into his new role. He tiptoes through the hallway, helps comfort the baby with a soft toy, and stands proudly next to the pram.

What matters to us: Remy does not have to be only happy. A good book can also leave room for getting used to things, questions, and mixed feelings. Some children feel proud and jealous. Happy and unsure. Curious and a little upset. Through the story, you can talk about that gently:

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

Below you can flip through the full example book in which Remy becomes a big brother.

Looking for inspiration for a personal newborn gift for the baby too? Take a look at: The Most Fun 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.

Examples, prices and frequently asked questions are on the big brother or sister book page. Practical tips for the weeks around the birth are in Preparing your child for a new brother or sister: 6 practical tips.