New Baby Gift for Older Siblings

Before my third child was born I ordered the Bitty Baby twins from the American Girl website. You can pick boy/boy, girl/girl or boy/girl. You can also choose brown hair/brown eyes or blond hair/blue eyes. I picked the boy/girl w/ blond/blue for my daughter (2 1/2) and son (17 mo.) as a gift from the "baby". I had it wrapped and at the hospital when they visited the first time. Not sure if a 4 yr. old boy would be interested in a baby, but they sure were cute!

We made special toy and snack bags for my older kids to get at the hospital. They wanted to be there, but got bored after a few minutes, and so they could play, color, or habe a snack on the floor or next to me. It was such a hit, I have given them as baby shower gifts to several friends and they all said it was a life saver. Good luck with your little ones, you are very blessed! ~A.~

We gave my 2.5 yr old the fisher price digital camera. She loved being able to take her own pictures of the new baby.

Hi A.,

Maybe you can make a cast of Erin/Aaron's hand prints and footprints for the siblings with a special "I'm so glad you're my big brother/big sister" kind of message on it. If you can get the supplies ahead of time and pack them in your hospital bag, you may be able to make them a day or two after the baby is born while he/she is still in the hospital with you. That way you'll be alone and you'll have plenty of time to work on your project.

-Char

We did this with our 4 year old when our new baby was born this last year. It was a big hit. I wrapped a present and put it in my bag for the hospital then when my parents brought up our 4 year old, we told him that his baby sister had a gift for him. He was so excited! Then he played with it during the time he was at the hospital.

Another idea when you get home, have your older kids give the new baby a tour of the house and her new room. My son felt very important giving his new sister a tour.

Good Luck!

We had a big sister t-shirt for our just turned 5 year old daughter. We gave it to her at the hospital from her new brother and she has been wearing it with pride as fast as I can wash it!