Helpful books for introducing a new baby to the home

[Tasha83]

Hi all :wave:,

I have another question, not sure if its in the right section so I apologize now if its not. As we are expecting our second child, Ive been hunting and hunting for some good books, with pictures ect.. for introducing a new baby to the home. Ive been telling our little toddler about how "theres a baby in mummies tummy" and being a big brother and helping mummy ect..

I thought if I got a book it might help pre pare things alittle more.. even though it could all go so very differently (and prob will) when the baby is born.

if anyone has any good suggestions on books- names ect that I could go buy or borrow from library that would be great.

Also, alittle debated.. DH and I dont think its a problem, we were going to buy our son a baby doll.. he really likes them.. and sees the little baby prams and stuff and plays with our friends kids ones.. BUT there are people in family and friends who think its not a good idea?!?! seriously?!?!

Anyone bought their son a doll??? Does it really matter? I dont think so but hey.. we think it wil be good for him to be able to have his own baby when we have the baby to deal with ie- changing nappies ect.. he can do his own baby doll.. make sense?

Ok thanks again!!:thumbsup:

[mummylovesyou]

Hi there,

There is a book called "Theres a house inside my mummy" which I found to be great:)My son was only 20 months when my last child was born and I found the book had great pictures and was easy to read to him. I borrowed it of a friend so I am not sure of the name of the author, but I am sure your local library should have it.
As for the doll, I think its a good idea. I have 2 older girls and I found my son would use of there dolls when we bought our DD home from hospital and he would take it everywhere, in a stroller or he would just carry it, I cant see the harm in it all.
Good luck with everything:)

[sloaney]

Hi Tasha,

There are lots of good books about sibling additions to the family ... I have a couple but they're in my son's room and he's sleeping currently. But a request from your shire library service should be able to source a few as well.

I would definitely consider buying a doll as long as you're willing to regularly go through the rigmarole of changing baby's nappy, putting it to sleep, etc. Not just leave it in the corner.

I am in the same situation as you and I've found that it helps when DS is enjoying drawing to draw a stick-figure style picture of Daddy, me, Tommy (DS) and baby, which he seems to appreciate. We then talk about who is who in the pictures, and get him to identify everyone including the coming baby. Sometimes I draw mummy with a big belly and make the point that the belly is 'baby' and then draw DS standing next to the baby. We then kiss the pictures of family + baby. Maybe that sounds weird but I've found he's really happy to talk about the baby in this context. hth :D

[Mum2Lucas]

there are heaps of books you can get from book stores. i am yet to get a few but im not even sure how far along i am yet. DS is 2.5 and i'll be getting him a doll. my friend said it really helped her when her oldest was little and she was pregnant with her second. she also said that getting them to 'wash the baby' as in washing your stomach while your pregnant helped too. i've already started talking to DS about the baby in mummy's tummy and he started talking to it the other day so that was good. even though it can't hear him yet.