Reading Roundup: Our Favorite Books for Siblings Welcoming a New Baby
Gather Birth has both parents and parenting educators on our team, so we always have a long list of children’s book recommendations. This blog tackles one of the biggest questions we receive from expecting families: “Are there any good books about babies and birth for my older child?” Below we’ve shared our favorite recommendations for children’s books, which cover a wide-range for topics, from adjusting to a new baby, pregnancy, birth, how babies behave and more.
“Baby on the Way” by pediatrician William Sears and his wife Martha, a career nurse, this book helps big siblings understand what happens while we wait for a baby. With insight into pregnancy, birth and what happens when you become a big sibling, we really love this easy-to-follow book.
“Happy Birth Day” by Robie Harris tells a story of how amazing babies are right from the very start. This is a great book to help big siblings understand the behaviors of a newborn, as well as the support and tasks we provide to a baby in the early days.
“What Makes a Baby” by Cory Silverberg is an excellent walkthrough of how babies are made. We love how inclusive of all methods of conception and gestation this book is, not to mention inclusivity for every wonderful version of a family.
“The New Baby” by Fred Rogers deals with the emotions and transition older siblings will undoubtedly feel as they way for the new baby, as well as after they arrive. Mr. Rogers can really do no wrong, and as always, he address the importance of a child’s feelings.
Preparing for a home birth? Jenni Overend’s “Hello Baby” depicts all the events that take place as a family welcomes their baby at home.