Emily Menendez-Aponte - A New Baby Is Coming!: A Guide for a Big Brother or Sister

Emily Menendez-Aponte holds a B.A. in Psychology and a Master of Social Work degree. As a licensed social worker, she has counseled families and children for over 10 years. Currently, she lives in New Jersey with her husband and two children and is an independent consultant for the New Jersey Early Intervention System.

R. W. Alley is the illustrator for the popular Abbey Press adult series of Elf-help books, as well as an illustrator and writer of childrens books. He lives in Barrington, Rhode Island, with his wife, daughter, and son. See a wide variety of his works at: www.rwalley.com.

There Is Going to Be a New Baby

T here is going to be a new baby in your family! Everyone in your family is so excited and happy. Lots of people are talking about the new baby coming.

Y ou are going to be a big brother or a big sister and you may be wondering exactly what that means. You may be a little worried about how things might change around your house.

How Do You Get a New Baby?

N ew babies come a couple of different ways. Sometimes, a baby will grow in your moms tummy. Other times, babies are born somewhere else and your family adopts them.

I f the baby is in your moms tummy, her belly will get big while the baby is growing. She may feel sick or tired. But you dont have to worrysometimes moms feel like that when they are pregnant, and your mom will be okay.

Y ou might be able to feel the baby moving around inside your moms tummy when you put your hands on her belly. And, even though the baby cant see you yet, he can hear you. Ask your mom if you can feel her belly or talk to the baby.

Its a Long Time to Wait

I t can feel like a long time to wait until the new baby is born. It takes a while for the baby to grow big enough until it is ready to come out. Ask your mom and dad when the baby will be coming.

Y our family will probably do things to get ready for the new baby. They may paint and decorate a room in your house. They might buy new things, or use things from when you were a baby.

Y ou may feel a little upset that a new baby is going to be using your things. Talk to your mom and dad if you feel upset. Maybe they have saved one special thing that no one else gets to use.

You Were a Baby Once, Too

D id you know you were a baby once, too? You were a tiny little baby and your parents did all of the same kinds of things to get ready for you.

T hey were so excited when they knew you were going to be born. They probably got a room ready for you, and bought new things for you. They even talked about what to name you. They did all of the same things to get ready for you that they are doing now to get ready for the new baby.

Y ou can ask your mom and dad about what it was like when you were a baby and maybe look at some pictures, too.

When the Baby Is Born

S oon it will be time for the baby to be born. Your parents may go to a hospital, where a doctor will help the baby come out of your moms belly. Or, your parents may have to travel somewhere to adopt your new little brother or sister. Either way, soon they will come home and bring your new brother or sister with them.

Y ou will probably go to your grandmas house or someone will come to stay at your house while your parents are gone. You might miss your mom and dad while they are gone, and they will miss you, too. You will be able to talk to them on the phone and maybe even visit the hospital. Whoever is taking care of you will do all the same things your mom and dad usually do and probably some extra fun things.

Some Things Change
Some Things Stay the Same

W hen a new baby comes into your family, lots of things will change, but lots of things will stay the same.

Y our house may seem a little busier and there may be lots of new baby stuff around. But all of your things will still be there, too. You will still have your favorite teddy bear and all your same toys. You will still go to school and get to play with your friends.

Y ou can talk to your mom and dad about anything you are worried about that might change or not be the same.

What Will the Baby Do?

N ew babies arent able to do very much at first. Usually, babies sleep a lot, eat a lot, and cry a lot. Babies can do hardly anything for themselves. Your mom and dad will spend a lot of time taking care of the new baby.

S ometimes, its no fun to have a baby who cant play with you and spends so much time sleeping. But soon the baby will get bigger and be able to do more fun things besides sleep, eat, and cry.

Mommy and Daddy Are Busy

B ecause babies cant do anything on their own like you can, it may seem like Mom or Dad is always busy with the baby. It can be really hard to hear your mom say, You have to wait a minute.

B abies do take a lot of time, but your mom and dad will give you some special time, too. If you are feeling left out, ask your mom or dad to play a game with you or read you a story. Just remember that sometimes you will have to be patient.

Does Mommy Still Love Me?

W hen a new baby comes into your family, you may wonder if your mom and dad still love you. Or if they will love the new baby more than you.

Y our mom and dad will still love you just as much after the baby comes as they did before. They love you very, very much and always willno matter what.

I t can be hard to share your parents with a new brother or sister; but your parents will love you both just the same. They wont love one more than the other. New babies just make your mom and dad grow more love!

Feeling Grumpy and Mad

Y ou might get a little grumpy or even feel mad at the new baby. Thats okay. Everybody gets a little grumpy and mad sometimes.

Y ou might even say, I hate the baby. It is hard when so many things change and your mommy and daddy have to spend so much time taking care of the baby.

W hen you feel angry or upset, tell your mom or dad. Maybe you can play with a special toy that is just for you. Maybe your mom can spend some special time with you.