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Quick answer: The best children’s books about a new baby sibling prepare kids for change and validate mixed feelings. Favorites include I’m a Big Sister and I’m a Big Brother by Joanna Cole, Peter’s Chair, Julius, the Baby of the World, A Baby Sister for Frances, There’s Going to Be a Baby and Hello in There!
A new baby is wonderful news for parents, and a huge adjustment for an older child. Toddlers and preschoolers may feel excited one minute and jealous, worried or left out the next. Some regress, wanting a bottle or diaper again. Reading books about new siblings before and after the birth helps children know what to expect, see that their feelings are normal and understand their important new role. The list below includes books for the waiting months, the arrival and the sometimes bumpy weeks afterward.
Table of Contents
Quick Picks at a Glance
| Book | Author | Best Time to Read |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting for Baby | Rachel Fuller | During pregnancy, toddlers |
| Hello in There! | Jo Witek | During pregnancy |
| There’s Going to Be a Baby | John Burningham and Helen Oxenbury | During pregnancy |
| What Baby Needs | William Sears and Martha Sears | Before the birth |
| Babies Don’t Eat Pizza | Dianne Danzig | Before the birth |
| I’m a Big Sister / I’m a Big Brother | Joanna Cole | Before and after |
| Big Brother Daniel | Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood | Before and after |
| The Berenstain Bears’ New Baby | Stan and Jan Berenstain | Before and after |
| The New Baby | Mercer Mayer | After arrival |
| Lola Reads to Leo | Anna McQuinn | After arrival |
| On Mother’s Lap | Ann Herbert Scott | Jealous feelings |
| Peter’s Chair | Ezra Jack Keats | Jealous feelings |
| A Baby Sister for Frances | Russell Hoban | Feeling left out |
| Julius, the Baby of the World | Kevin Henkes | Jealousy, ages 4–7 |
| You Were the First | Patricia MacLachlan | Reassurance for firstborns |
1. Waiting for Baby by Rachel Fuller
This sturdy board book from the New Baby series shows a toddler during Mom’s pregnancy: feeling the baby kick, getting the nursery ready and visiting the doctor. Simple text and warm illustrations make it perfect for children under three.
2. Hello in There! A Big Sister’s Book of Waiting by Jo Witek
A little girl talks to the baby in her mother’s belly, wondering what it will be like and sharing what she’ll teach it. Gentle die-cut pages make the reading experience special, and it builds excitement rather than worry.
3. There’s Going to Be a Baby by John Burningham and Helen Oxenbury
Through the seasons of a pregnancy, a boy and his mother imagine what the baby might become, a chef, an artist, a zookeeper. His honest, sometimes skeptical questions mirror real kids’ feelings perfectly.
4. What Baby Needs by William Sears and Martha Sears
Written by a pediatrician and nurse team, this book explains what newborns need, including feeding, sleeping, holding and crying, and how big siblings can help. It sets realistic expectations about how much time babies take.
5. Babies Don’t Eat Pizza by Dianne Danzig
A friendly, detailed guide for big brothers and sisters, covering pregnancy, birth, what babies can and can’t do, and how life will change. It’s especially helpful for curious preschoolers and early elementary kids who ask lots of questions.
6. I’m a Big Sister and I’m a Big Brother by Joanna Cole
From the author of The Magic School Bus, these simple books reassure older children that their parents love them just as much and that being a big sibling is a special job. Choose the version that fits your child.
7. Big Brother Daniel (Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood)
Kids who love the show will recognize Daniel Tiger as he learns to be a helpful big brother to Margaret. The familiar characters and catchy strategies from the show help preschoolers manage frustration.
8. The Berenstain Bears’ New Baby by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Small Bear outgrows his bed just as a new baby is coming, and he learns to welcome Sister Bear. This classic has helped generations of kids feel proud of growing up. See our Berenstain Bears list.
9. The New Baby by Mercer Mayer
Little Critter isn’t sure about the new baby, who can’t even play, but he discovers ways to help and have fun. The humor and relatable frustrations make it a favorite for preschoolers.
10. Lola Reads to Leo by Anna McQuinn
Lola loves books and can’t wait to share them with her new baby brother Leo. She helps Mommy and Daddy and reads to Leo every day. It’s a sweet model for how older siblings can bond with a newborn.
11. On Mother’s Lap by Ann Herbert Scott
Michael, an Inuit boy, loves rocking on his mother’s lap with all his favorite things, but he’s sure there’s no room for his baby sister. His mother shows him there’s always room. It’s short, gentle and reassuring.
12. Peter’s Chair by Ezra Jack Keats
Peter’s parents are painting his old crib and high chair pink for his baby sister, so he decides to run away with his chair, until he realizes he’s too big for it. This classic captures jealousy and growing up with simple grace.
13. A Baby Sister for Frances by Russell Hoban
Frances the badger feels neglected after baby Gloria arrives, so she runs away, to under the dining room table. Overhearing her parents miss her helps her feel valued. It’s funny and tender.
14. Julius, the Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes
Lilly thinks her new brother Julius is disgusting, but when her cousin insults him, she becomes his fiercest defender. Kids love Lilly’s honesty and the hilarious, very real sibling dynamics.
15. You Were the First by Patricia MacLachlan
This loving book celebrates all the firsts a family shared with their first child, from first smile to first steps. It reminds older siblings that they hold a special place no new baby can replace.
Tips for Preparing a Child for a New Sibling
- Start reading a few months early. Young children need time and repetition.
- Name the feelings. Let them know it’s okay to feel jealous or grumpy.
- Give them a job. Fetching diapers or choosing outfits helps them feel important.
- Protect one-on-one time. Even ten minutes a day makes a big difference.
- Expect some regression. It’s normal and usually temporary.
Related: board books for 2 year olds and books for 1–2 year olds.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start reading new baby books to my toddler?
Many parents start in the second trimester or once the pregnancy is visible, giving toddlers several months to absorb the idea.
What’s the best book for a jealous older sibling?
Peter’s Chair, Julius, the Baby of the World and A Baby Sister for Frances all address jealousy with humor and reassurance.
What is a good big sister or big brother gift?
I’m a Big Sister or I’m a Big Brother by Joanna Cole is a classic gift, often paired with a special toy “from the baby.”
Featured image: Photo by Mushvig Niftaliyev on Unsplash