What pediatricians suggest
The AAP's guidance on preparing an older child for a new baby, updated February 2026, includes:
- For toddlers: read books about babies and siblings before the birth, and after it, give a special gift and plan a one-on-one outing with a parent, grandparent or relative.
- For preschoolers: let them help plan and shop, give them a doll to care for, be honest that babies cry a lot, and reassure them your love will not change.
- Expect some regression, such as accidents or wanting a bottle, and respond with attention rather than "act your age".
- Ask visitors to spend time with the older child, and consider small gifts for them too.
When to give the gift
Many families give a gift "from the baby" when the older child first meets the newborn, and keep a few small wrapped things ready for the days when visitors arrive with presents for the baby. A gift given before the birth, such as a book or a doll, helps them prepare.
Gifts that give a role
Older children feel bigger when they have a job: fetching a diaper, choosing the baby's outfit, singing to the baby. A helper basket of their own, a doll with a carrier, or a song they can "teach" the baby all say: you matter in this family too.
A song with both names
A song that names the big brother or sister first, tells what they can teach the baby, and mentions the baby's name too, can be played on the first day home and on hard days after. Our big brother and big sister song is made for this, sung in a warm adult voice. For the newborn, see songs for a new baby.
11 gift ideas for a new big brother or sister
- A gift "from the baby"
Why: the first meeting starts with something for them. For: toddlers and preschoolers. Typical price: USD 10 to 30.
- Book about becoming a big sibling
Why: the AAP suggests books to introduce words like "new baby" and "sister". For: ages 1 to 5, before the birth. Typical price: USD 8 to 20.
- Doll with a carrier or bottle
Why: the AAP suggests a doll so preschoolers can practice caring for a baby. For: ages 2 to 5, any gender. Typical price: USD 15 to 40.
- A song that names both children
Why: the older child hears they are part of the story. For: ages 2 to 7. Typical price: USD 5 to 30 for a digital song.
- One-on-one outing voucher
Why: the AAP recommends special time with the older child. A handmade "trip to the park with Grandma" card is enough. For: all ages. Cost: nothing to USD 30.
- Big brother or big sister T-shirt
Why: a proud title to wear to the hospital or the first visit. For: ages 1 to 6. Typical price: USD 12 to 25.
- Helper basket
Why: their own wipes, a small diaper stack and a toy for the baby make them part of care time. For: ages 2 to 5. Typical price: USD 10 to 25.
- Photo frame for "me and my baby"
Why: their first photo with the baby, displayed in their room. For: all ages. Typical price: USD 10 to 30.
- Kids camera
Why: the older child becomes the family photographer. For: ages 4 and up. Typical price: USD 30 to 60.
- Special-time jar
Why: slips with 10-minute activities with a parent, pulled out daily. For: ages 3 and up. Cost: nothing.
- Small wrapped extras for visitor days
Why: when guests bring baby presents, the older child gets something too. For: toddlers and preschoolers. Typical price: USD 2 to 10 each.
Questions parents ask
Should I give my older child a gift when the baby is born?
Many families do, and the AAP suggests a special gift for toddlers when the baby arrives, along with one-on-one time.
What is a good gift for a 2 year old becoming a big sibling?
A book about babies before the birth, a doll to care for, a gift "from the baby", and plenty of one-on-one time.
My older child is regressing since the baby came. Is that normal?
The AAP says some regression, like toileting accidents or wanting a bottle, is common. Respond with attention and praise grown-up behavior.
What should visitors bring for the older sibling?
Their time, most of all. The AAP suggests asking visitors to spend time with the older child, and a small gift helps on busy days.
Is a song a good big sibling gift?
A song that names both children can be played on the first day home and on hard days. See our big sibling song.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org), Preparing Your Older Child for a New Baby: How to Help Siblings Adjust, 2026-02-10. Read 2026-10-17.
- Etsy, Search results: personalized song for kids with name (US store, USD). Read 2026-10-17.
Updated 2026-10-17. Made with AI. The words come from an AI writer working from your details, and you approve them. The music and the voice come from an AI music model (not a human singer).