How to Tell Your First Baby You Are Expecting Your Second Child

Start Early, But Not Too Early

When it comes to telling your toddler about a new sibling, you don’t need to rush, but you also don’t want to leave it too late. It’s best to start talking about the baby a few months before your due date. If your child is younger than 2 years old, they may not fully understand what you’re saying, but they can still absorb the change in tone, body language, and how things start to shift at home.

For older toddlers, closer to 2-3 years, you can begin talking about the baby in more specific terms. Be honest, but simple. Acknowledge that a new baby is coming, but also reassure them that they’re still your little one and will always have your love and attention.

Use Books to Explain the Concept of a New Baby

One of the best ways to introduce the idea of a new baby is by reading books. There are a ton of toddler-friendly books that explain the arrival of a new sibling in a gentle, fun way. Some of our favourites include:

• I’m a Big Brother or I’m a Big Sister by Joanna Cole
• There’s a House Inside My Mummy by Giles Andreae
• The New Baby by Mercer Mayer

These books are great because they show the positives of being a big sibling — helping with feeding, holding the baby, and of course, getting cuddles! The visual and narrative story

Talk About the Baby in Simple, Positive Terms

Keep the language simple, friendly, and positive. Instead of focusing on the potential challenges (like feeling a little tired or the baby needing a lot of attention), talk about the fun things that come with being a big brother or sister. You can say things like:

• "You’re going to be a big brother/sister! You can help with so many things!"
• "The baby will need your help to learn new things, and you can be their role model!"
• "You’ll have a special job taking care of your toys and showing the baby how to play."

The goal is to create a sense of excitement, pride, and inclusion rather than making your child feel like they’re being replaced or that they’ll lose attention from you.

Get Them Involved from the Start Be Honest About the Changes

One of the best ways to make your toddler feel part of the pregnancy journey is by involving them in the process. Here are a few ways to do that:

• Let them help with preparations: Take them shopping for baby clothes or let them help decorate the nursery (even if it’s just picking out a special stuffed toy).
• Set up a ‘big sibling’ role: Let them be in charge of certain “big kid” tasks. Maybe they’re the one to grab a nappy or help fetch a bottle. It helps them feel important and proud.
• Play with dolls: You can practice caring for a doll together, showing how to be gentle, “feed” it, and “rock” it to sleep. This gives them a preview of what it might be like when the real baby arrives.

The more involved your toddler feels, the more excitement and less fear or anxiety they’ll have when the baby arrives.

At the same time, it’s important to talk honestly about what will change. You don’t need to sugar-coat things completely. Toddlers may not understand the full impact of a new sibling, but they can start to understand that you might not always have as much time for just them.

You can say things like:

• "When the baby arrives, I’ll be busy with feeding and changing, but I’ll always have time for you too!"
• "There will be moments when the baby is crying, but you’re going to help us both feel better."

Talking about changes helps manage expectations and prepares your toddler for the adjustments ahead.

Don’t Forget the Special One-on-One Time

After the baby arrives, it’s easy to get caught up in the demands of a newborn. But it’s so important to carve out one-on-one time with your toddler. It doesn’t need to be long, but spending even just 10-15 minutes of undivided attention each day can make a big difference in how your toddler feels.

Whether it’s a quick game of blocks, a walk around the block, or just reading a favourite story together, it’s about making sure they still feel loved, special, and needed.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This, Mama!

Telling your firstborn that they’re going to be a big brother or sister is a beautiful moment, and with the right approach, it can be an exciting time for the whole family. Remember to keep things positive, include them in the journey, and give them plenty of reassurance.

At baby luno, we understand how important it is to make this transition as smooth as possible. Whether you’re looking for baby essentials or products to make your toddler feel extra special, we’ve got you covered with our range of Nordic Footmuffs pram liners, and other mum must-haves.

We’re cheering you on as you prepare for the exciting arrival of your second baby. You’ve got this, mama!