Books to prepare children for the arrival of a little brother
The second baby is coming! Can books to prepare children for the arrival of a little brother help us?
With the arrival of the firstborn we usually start looking for a lot of information to read about everything related to pregnancy , childbirth , the postpartum period , breastfeeding , growing a child .
The arrival of the second child, on the other hand, is generally faced with more relaxation and less hunger for information. Too bad, because even for the arrival of the second child there are some interesting books to read that can be very useful. Among these are books to prepare children for the arrival of a little brother.
The little brother arrives, how to prepare the firstborn?
If you are going through this particular moment, have you thought about what to say to older brothers? It is really important to have the firstborn participate in the joy of the arrival of a little brother and include them in the pregnancy phase as part of the story too. By explaining to children the importance of their role in taking care of the little one who is about to arrive, we will have more chances to enjoy that moment serenely, avoiding or reducing any jealousy of the firstborn.
In fact, for a child to welcome a “new little creature” into the house, accept the new rules, share the space and time of the parents with him and become an older brother, is an event that can put him to the test. That is why it is important to prepare in advance for the arrival of the little brother and inform the older brothers of the changes that are coming.
Here comes a little brother: children’s books
The most frequent question we ask ourselves as parents is: a little brother arrives, when and how to tell?
As I said, books always come in handy and even in this case children’s books about siblings are a great tool that will help children understand the event.
Here are the ones that moms really like and that we recommend.
Welcome little brother, welcome little sister
Welcome little brother, welcome little sister is the perfect book to read when the family grows and parents have a thousand doubts and questions. In fact, this book offers useful information and practical suggestions to face the moment with serenity. It is therefore a valid aid to prepare the eldest for the arrival of the little brother with serenity and joy, to manage two or more children of different ages, to find a new balance all together. The ideas offered by the experts (psychologists, pedagogues, gynecologists and breastfeeding consultants) are interesting.
Mother’s belly
Mother’s Bump is a delightful book dedicated to children who are waiting for a little brother / sister. The story tells in an elegant and delicate way of a little girl who talks to her little brother through her belly. She informs him, with soft and reassuring words, of what is happening to him and of what she will find outside of her.
The book is particularly appreciated by children because they can understand what happens inside their mother’s tummy by peering through the discreet windows in the illustrations. Furthermore, in history there are no rivalries, there is no jealousy. The relationship between the children is at the center of the story, the parents are present but in the background.
A little brother arrives
A little brother is coming is a well-structured book, with beautiful images and very useful to face the moment in a very positive way. All phases are covered: the announcement of the arrival of a little brother, the announcement to the grandparents and then month by month all the changes in the mother and in the baby bump. Issues such as conception and particular cases such as premature babies and twin births are also addressed. There are many tips for older brothers all explained step by step with reassuring images but able to arouse curiosity and interest in children.
Alice and her little brother in the belly
Alice and her little brother in the belly is a very welcome book for both mothers and children because it is simple, linear and does not create doubts and unnecessary fears, but highlights the arrival of the little brother in a positive and serene way. Suitable for small children, it tells a simple story
and explains what is happening to the mother during pregnancy and what will happen to the family once the little brother or sister arrives.
I’m a big brother, big sister
I’m an older brother, I’m an older sister are two cute books useful for helping children in a playful way to understand the arrival of a little brother or sister. With fun pictures, simple language and a sound button, these books encourage children to listen and interact with the characters. In both versions (for brother or sister) the little readers will identify with the protagonists of the book who are about to face the same change in their lives. They’ll find out what happens when a new baby arrives in the house and they’ll learn that becoming the “big” brother or sister is a… fantastic thing!
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.