Children's book on becoming an older sister

[Fidgetsmum]

Baby due at Christmas and I have a great book for my nearly three year old called 'There's a house inside my Mummy' which goes through all pregnancy things (like why Mummy's fat etc!!)

But I want one that deals with the postnatal stuff like 'just because mummy is feeding and can't get up and dance doesn't mean she doesn't love you' and 'just because Daddy is winding the baby and can't put you on his shoulders, doesn't mean he doesn't love you' etc etc.

Can anyone recommend a good book on the subject? Thanks!

[womanofdulwich]

What a great question. I dont remember this being an issue- but I think you should write it! i can assure you you will be able to get up and breatfeed and dance at the same time- but maybe not for the first few weeks ;).

It is surprising how much you can do with a baby attached to your nipple-

[BB100]

Have you thought of making a book yourself? If you take some digital photographs (maybe with a doll as you haven't had the baby yet) and add some captions, you could even have it made into 'real' book by Bonusprint or other such photobook company. A personalised book would make your 3 year old feel even more loved and special than reading about someone else.

It's also worth buying a doll and a bottle, nappies, etc so your child can understand what you are doing with the baby and can develop empathy for your role as a mother.

You can also try to 'turn around' any requests such as 'getting up and dancing' by saying something like 'I would much prefer a cuddle, can you come and sit next to me?'

[Sanne Panne]

1. Ellen, penguin and the new baby

2. Za zebra's new baby brother

not 100% sure about the titles but you'll recognise them on Amazon. Both lovely books

[mumof3girlies]

'Sophie and the new baby' is a lovely book - in particular a book about a baby due in winter too, older sister who struggles with having a new baby but very sweetly grows to love her little baby brother - brings a tear to my eye now! we read it to our eldest when our 2nd child was actually about 6 months old but was still really pertinent, I think the settling down to having a sibling takes a while. I think the author is Catherine Arnold, I got it in Chener books but I reckon they or Review on Bellenden road could order it in - or amazon. Good luck!

[Dorothy]

Was also going to recommend Sophie And The New Baby. It is a really lovely book and deals with the bittersweet aspect of having a new baby in the house for a little girl. Just like mumof3girlies, I can't really think about it without getting sentimental! I would offer it to you but I've already given it away to another mum with a girl who had a new baby boy. My daughter was pretty lovely when my son came along but I do remember her saying to me (when her brother was about six months old!) "Mummy, when is he going back to the hospital?".

[Fidgetsmum]

Thanks for all the suggestions - amazon here I come.

And BB100 a thanks in particular, I hadn't thought of making my own too which I think we'll definitely do (I say we, but my husband's the arty one!)