personalized stuffed animals

Giving a gift to big siblings can help them understand that they’re not being forgotten or replaced amid all the hubbub of a new baby. Stuffed animals for bigger kids can be a great gift, especially if they match a gift given to the new baby. A personalized stuffed animal can also help remind bigger siblings that they’re still special.

gift exchanges

Sometimes you can start things off on a positive note by getting an older sibling a gift to give to the new baby. This can help older siblings develop a nurturing relationship with the new baby early on, and establish a positive relationship. You may want to make sure that these are specifically baby gifts. That way, the big brother or sister won’t want to keep the toy, or feel jealous of it. A sweet personalized lovey may be just the thing!

gifts to share

Gifts that an older sibling can use with their new brother or sister can also work really well! If the older sibling can read, a children’s board book may be just the thing. Encourage them to read the new book to their baby sibling. You can even get a stuffed animal and book set so that the older sibling has something that’s personally their own as well as a gift to share! This approach has the added benefit of starting to build sweet memories right away.

GIFTS THAT ENCOURAGE CARETAKING

Encouraging an older sibling to take care of their new brother and sister in some way can help them feel involved, and avoids feelings of being ignored or left out. It also helps to establish familial bonds between siblings. You can encourage this by getting them a special gift to help! Giving them a rattle, soother, or lovey to use to calm and play with the new baby, something that’s specifically theirs, can make time with their younger sibling special right away. Older siblings should be supervised while caring for their baby brother or sister.