Welcoming a new baby is an exciting time for the whole family, but for older siblings, it can bring a mix of emotions. Some kids can’t wait to meet their new baby brother or sister, while others might feel unsure about the changes ahead. Including them in the pregnancy journey is a great way to make them feel important, loved, and excited about their new role as a big brother or sister!
Here are some fun ways to help siblings bond with the baby before they arrive:
Let Them Announce the News!
Make the pregnancy announcement extra special by letting the sibling share the big news! Whether it’s a cute t-shirt that says “Big Brother” or “Big Sister”, a special social media post, or even a fun sign in a family photo, this helps them feel like an important part of the journey from the start.
Bring Them to the Ultrasound!
Watching the baby on an ultrasound screen is an unforgettable experience! Seeing their little sibling wiggle, stretch, or even suck their thumb makes everything feel real. At Belly Vue Center, we love making ultrasounds a family-friendly experience, especially for soon-to-be big siblings!
Tip: If they’re too young to understand the screen, describe what’s happening in a fun way, like, “Look, the baby is waving at you!”
Let Them Record a Special Message
Since babies start recognizing voices in the womb, why not let siblings talk or sing to the baby? Have them record a short message that you can play for the baby before and after birth. It could be a sweet “I love you, baby!” or their favorite lullaby.
Tip: Record the baby’s heartbeat during an ultrasound and let their sibling keep it in a stuffed animal for a sweet keepsake!
Create a Countdown Calendar
Help big siblings track the pregnancy by making a baby countdown! You can mark off milestones like finding out the gender, feeling the baby kick, and finally, the due date! Let them add stickers or drawings each week to keep them engaged and excited.
Plan a Gender Reveal or Baby Shower Games
If you're planning a gender reveal or baby shower, let your child participate in the fun! They can pop a balloon, open a box filled with pink or blue balloons, or pour colored powder for a reveal moment they’ll never forget!
Let Them Help Pick the Baby’s Name
While you may not actually name your baby Spider-Man or Unicorn Princess (unless that’s your style! 😉), asking for their input makes them feel included. Give them a shortlist of names and let them pick their favorite!
Make a Special Big Sibling Gift
A fun way to celebrate the transition is by giving the sibling a “Big Brother” or “Big Sister” gift from the baby. Some ideas:
A t-shirt that says “Big Brother” or “Big Sister”
A stuffed animal from the baby
A picture frame for their first sibling photo
Tip: Let them pick out a small gift for the baby, too!
Capture Their Excitement on Camera
Take fun maternity photos featuring your child! Ideas include:
Holding tiny baby shoes
Kissing mom’s belly
Holding a sign that says, "Waiting for my best friend!"
Let Them Help Pack the Hospital Bag
If you’re delivering at a hospital or birth center, let the sibling help pack! They can choose a special outfit for the baby or pack a favorite book or toy to bring along. You can also pack a small “Big Sibling Kit” with snacks, coloring books, and a special note for them to open when the baby arrives.
Get Them Involved After Birth
Once the baby is here, continue making your older child feel special by giving them small “helper” tasks—like bringing a diaper, choosing the baby’s outfit, or reading a bedtime story. Compliment them on being an awesome big sibling and make sure they still get plenty of snuggles and attention from you, too!
Making the Transition Smooth and Exciting
Bringing a new baby into the family is a big adjustment, but by involving siblings in fun and meaningful ways, they’ll feel included, important, and excited for their new best friend to arrive! The bond they build now will last a lifetime!
Want to book a special sibling-friendly ultrasound session? Contact us today!