Books to prepare toddlers for a sibling

You know what a lot of people do about two years after they have a baby? They have another one.

Is this — or was this — your plan? Making siblings is powerful stuff.

Before Scarlett was born, I took a little class helping toddlers prepare for a new sibling. The instructor shared a book list with us. I thought I’d share it with you.

I’m not saying that buying a new book for your child will solve all the challenges you’re about to face juggling two kids, but I do believe it was helpful to set Julian’s expectations about what the baby would be able to do. (NOTHING!)Â The Joanna Cole book is the one we read the most.

Books to read with your first child:

I’m a Big Sister orÂ I’m a Big Brother by Joanna Cole

What to Expect When the New Baby Comes Home (What to Expect Kids) by Heidi Murkoff and Laura Rader

We Have a Baby by Cathryn Falwell

My New Baby (New Baby Series) by Annie Kubler

The New Baby at Your House by Joanna Cole and Margaret Miller

The Berenstain Bears and Baby Makes Five (First Time Books(R)) by Stan and Jan Berenstain

Mr. Rogers New Baby (First Experiences) by Fred Rogers

Books to read for the parents:

Twice Blessed: Everything You Need To Know About Having A Second Child– Preparing Yourself, Your Marriage, And Your Firstborn For A New Family Of Four

From One Child to Two by Judy Dunn

Welcoming Your Second Baby by Vicky Lansky

And Baby Makes Four : Welcoming a Second Child into the Family by Hilary Wagner

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Whitney

RookieMoms.com co-founder Whitney lives with her husband, son, and daughter in the San Francisco Bay Area where she writes about parenting, crafts, and activities that moms can do with babies in tow. She and Heather also publish 510Families.com, a site for East Bay parents.