Welcoming a new baby is magical — but let’s be honest, it can also be a huge juggling act. While you’re busy with night feeds and nappies, your firstborn might start wondering: “Hey, what about me?”
The good news? With a little creativity, you can help your older child feel celebrated, important, and just as special as the new arrival. Here are some fun and thoughtful ideas to keep big brothers and sisters smiling when the new baby joins the team:
1. Give Them an Important Job Title
Kids love feeling important. Instead of just saying “you’re the big brother/sister now,” make it official. Create a little “promotion ceremony” where you hand over a certificate (you can even DIY one in Canva) declaring them “Chief Cuddle Officer” or “Snack Patrol Captain.” Suddenly, they’re not just the older sibling — they’re part of the baby’s support squad.
2. Plan a “Big Sibling Date”
One-on-one time can be rare with a newborn in the house, but even a short trip to the park, an ice cream run, or a movie night in can work wonders. Label it a “Big Sibling Date” so it feels extra special and exclusive.
3. Create a Sibling Survival Kit
Put together a fun little box or bag filled with treats and activities just for them — think colouring books, mini Lego sets, snacks, stickers, a new water bottle, or even a disposable camera to document life with baby.
4. Give a “Big Sibling Gift”
When the baby is showered with presents, it’s easy for the older sibling to feel overlooked. That’s where a gift “from the baby” can work wonders. Suddenly, the baby feels like a generous new teammate! This can be absolutely anything, the key is to make sure the older sibling knows it is from their new baby brother or sister.
5. Celebrate Their Superpower 🦸
Every older sibling has a new superpower when a baby arrives — whether it’s “Patience,” “Sharing,” or just “Being a Big Brother/Sister.” Celebrate it with a special T-shirt that shouts about their new role. Our Superpower Threads tees let you customise the superpower, making it a unique keepsake that reminds them they’re still the hero of their story.
6. Include Them in Baby Duties (But Make it Fun)
Older siblings love to help if you frame it as a grown-up responsibility. Ask them to pick the baby’s outfit (my older son loved doing this!), choose the bedtime story, or be in charge of “singing the silly song” during nappy changes. Little tasks give them ownership without overwhelming them.
7. Storytime Starring Them
Find storybooks that feature big brothers and sisters. You can even make up a story as you go along where they’re the main character welcoming the baby (this is definitely for the more creatives parents out there!) Kids love stories where they’re the hero — and this helps them see their role in a positive, exciting light.
8. Make Their Achievements Shine Too
While the baby gets clapped for rolling over, make sure your older child gets applause for their milestones too — whether that’s writing their name, riding their bike, or even just trying a new food. Keep celebrating their growth alongside the baby’s.
9. Start a New “Big Sibling Tradition”
It could be Saturday morning pancakes, bedtime chats, or a secret handshake only you share. Traditions give them something to look forward to that’s all theirs, no matter how busy baby life gets.
10. Let Them Teach the Baby Something
Ask your older child what they’d like to teach the baby — singing a song, clapping a rhyme, or showing them their favourite toy. This reinforces their role as a leader and makes them proud of their new identity as “the teacher.”
Bottom line: welcoming a sibling doesn’t mean your firstborn loses the spotlight. With a little thought (and maybe a superhero T-shirt 😉), they’ll feel like the star player in this new family team.