Preparing for a New Sibling

Helping your child adjust to a new baby in the family.

Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC guidelines

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Key takeaways

  • Read age-appropriate books about new babies and becoming a big sibling
  • Involve your child in baby preparation: picking out clothes, decorating the nursery, choosing a stuffed animal for the baby
  • Maintain existing routines as much as possible - bedtime, mealtimes, and special rituals
  • Get a special 'big sibling' gift that the baby 'brings' to them at the hospital or at home
  • Regression (potty accidents, wanting a bottle, baby talk) is completely normal and temporary - respond with patience, not punishment.
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Tips

  • Regression (potty accidents, wanting a bottle, baby talk) is completely normal and temporary - respond with patience, not punishment.
  • Don't expect your older child to love the baby right away. Some kids are thrilled, others are indifferent, and some are openly resentful. All of these reactions are normal.
  • When visitors come to see the baby, ask them to greet the older child first - it helps them feel seen and important.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do for preparing for a new sibling?
Read age-appropriate books about new babies and becoming a big sibling. Involve your child in baby preparation: picking out clothes, decorating the nursery, choosing a stuffed animal for the baby. Maintain existing routines as much as possible - bedtime, mealtimes, and special rituals. Get a special 'big sibling' gift that the baby 'brings' to them at the hospital or at home.
What is the preparing for a new sibling checklist?
Helping your child adjust to a new baby in the family. This checklist includes 10 key steps to help you stay prepared and organized.
Any tips for preparing for a new sibling?
Regression (potty accidents, wanting a bottle, baby talk) is completely normal and temporary - respond with patience, not punishment.. Don't expect your older child to love the baby right away. Some kids are thrilled, others are indifferent, and some are openly resentful. All of these reactions are normal.. When visitors come to see the baby, ask them to greet the older child first - it helps them feel seen and important..

Bottom line

Helping your child adjust to a new baby in the family. Use this checklist to stay organized and reduce stress. You can check off items as you go — your progress is saved on your device.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

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