Welcoming a New Baby: Supporting Siblings Through the Transition

Congratulations on the upcoming arrival of your new little one! Preparing to welcome a new baby into the family is an exciting time, but it can also bring big emotions—especially for older siblings. If you're wondering how to help your child adjust to the idea of a new baby, you're not alone.

Current research in Australia highlights the importance of involving children in the transition early, validating their feelings, and nurturing their sense of connection and inclusion. Here's how you can help create a positive and supported experience for your whole family.

Talking to Toddlers About Pregnancy

How you introduce the concept of a new baby depends on your child's age and developmental stage. For toddlers, the idea of becoming a big brother or sister might be completely new. They might not fully understand what pregnancy means, but they can sense change—so the way you communicate matters.

Tips for Supporting Toddlers:

• Use Storybooks to Spark Conversation: Reading books about becoming a sibling can help introduce the idea in a way that makes sense for toddlers. Choose Australian-authored picture books or those featuring familiar routines and family life to help make the concept relatable.

• Involve Them in Preparation: Encourage your child to help with age-appropriate tasks like choosing a toy for the baby, setting up the nursery, or packing a hospital bag. Giving them a role in preparing helps them feel important and included.

• Encourage Connection with Baby: Invite your child to talk, sing, or read to your belly. According to recent research from the Australian Institute of Family Studies, early bonding—including hearing familiar voices—can strengthen sibling attachment from birth.

• Normalise Big Feelings: It’s okay for your child to feel excited, confused, or even upset. Validate their emotions and give them space to express how they feel. You might say, “It’s a big change, and it’s okay to feel unsure.”

• Visit Families with Newborns: If possible, spend time around other families with babies. Seeing how newborns fit into a family setting can demystify the experience and reduce anxiety.

  
  

When Baby Arrives

It’s important to prepare your child for what will happen when you go to hospital. Explain who will be caring for them and when they’ll be able to visit you and the new baby. When your child meets their sibling for the first time, try to make it a calm and special moment.

Consider having the new baby “give” a small gift to their big sibling—this gesture can foster positive feelings and reduce jealousy.

Make time for one-on-one connection with your older child when you return home. Even just 10–15 minutes of undivided attention a day can help

maintain their sense of security.

How We Can Support You

At Discover My World ELC, we understand that every family’s journey is unique. Our educators are here to support your child as they navigate this new chapter—whether it’s answering questions about babies during play, offering emotional support, or reinforcing that their role as a big sibling is something to be proud of.

We’re also connected with a range of local professionals and services if your family would like further support during this time of transition.

Parenting is a shared journey—and at Discover My World, you’re never doing it alone.