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How do you announce a new baby brother or sister?
A little newcomer will soon be joining the family… and now it’s time to tell the welcoming committee: the future big brothers and big sisters! It’s big news that can bring some unexpected reactions. So when and how should you tell your child you’re pregnant?
Here’s our advice, plus 8 creative ideas for telling them a baby is on the way.
When should you tell your child you’re pregnant?
There’s no single perfect time. For a young child, nine months can feel like forever. Telling them very early that a baby is coming “in several months” can be hard to grasp. Instead, you can tie the arrival to something familiar: after Christmas, during the summer… With an older child, you can share the news sooner. More aware of what’s happening, they can follow the pregnancy and take an interest in its different stages while feeling fully included in this new family adventure. Either way, choose a quiet moment when you’ll have time to answer their questions.
How do you tell your child you’re pregnant?
There’s no need for a big speech. Simple, age-appropriate words are often easiest to understand: “A baby is growing in Mommy’s belly, and in a few months, you’re going to be a big brother or big sister.”
Then let your child react in their own way. They might be delighted… or keep a perfectly straight face before asking what’s for snack. And that’s okay!
And if you’d like to make the announcement extra special, here are 8 ideas that go beyond the usual “we have something to tell you.”
8 creative ways to announce a new baby brother or sister
1. Add someone to the family drawing
Draw your family as you usually would… with one small difference. Next to Mom, Dad and the kids, add one tiny person. Then show your child the drawing and ask if they notice anything different. It’s a simple way to help them understand that the family is about to grow, and is especially well suited to younger children.
2. Interview them for the role of big brother or big sister
Before sharing the news, hold a very serious interview for a particularly important position.
“Do you know how to give kisses?”
“Can you share your toys?”
“Do you know at least three good ways to get into mischief that you could teach someone?”
Once they’ve passed the interview, share the good news: they’ve got the job of big brother or big sister! You can even give them a little certificate with their name on it as a keepsake from the announcement.
3. Deliver a message from the baby
What if the baby introduced themselves? Write a short note directly to their future big brother or sister: “Hi! I’m still very small and cozy in Mommy’s belly. But in a few months, I’ll be joining you. I can’t wait to meet you!” You can tuck an ultrasound photo in with the note to show your child the very first picture of their little brother or sister.
Give them a few clues and let them play detective! “This person is very small.” “They can’t walk yet.” “They’re going to sleep a lot… well, we hope so.” Let your child make a few guesses before revealing that a baby is joining the family. With an older child, you can gradually make the clues harder to keep the game going.
5. Show them the baby’s “first selfie”
Take out the ultrasound image and ask: “Want to see the very first picture of someone you’ll meet soon?” Give your child a few seconds to look at the image before explaining what they’re seeing. If they’re very young, don’t be surprised if they can’t make out anything at all. You can point out the baby’s head, arms or legs and explain simply that the baby is still tiny.
6. Make a mysterious baby item appear at home
This is our favorite idea! Leave an item such as a hooded baby towel or a personalized lovey with the new baby’s name on it somewhere in the house. Don’t say anything—just wait for your child to spot the unfamiliar item. When they ask who it belongs to, you’ll have the perfect opening to tell them their little brother or sister is on the way.
Haven’t chosen a name yet? A small baby item tucked in among the family’s things will be enough to spark their curiosity.
7. Give them a big brother or big sister sweatshirt
A personalized “big brother” or “big sister” sweatshirt can be a lovely way to share the news. Just tailor the idea to their age: if they can read, let them discover the message on their own. If they’re still too young, let them try to figure it out, then read it to them. Most of all, take a moment to watch it click! Afterward, you can suggest they wear the sweatshirt to help announce the news to the rest of the family…
8. Stage a pretend dress rehearsal
Tell your child you need to practice for a big announcement you’re going to make to the family.
Give them their line: “You have to say, ‘I’m going to be a big brother or big sister!’” Give them a few seconds to realize that… this isn’t really a rehearsal. That is the big news!
Then, if they’d like, they can help share the news and tell the rest of the family themselves that a baby is on the way.
What if they don’t react the way you imagined?
You might have pictured shining eyes and hugs… but the reaction could be quite different! Joy, questions, worry or jealousy: every child takes the news in their own way. Some simply need a little time to understand what the baby’s arrival will change. Give them time to take it in and express their feelings, without expecting any particular reaction.
How can you involve your child during pregnancy?
Once you’ve shared the news, the months ahead give you time to make the baby’s arrival feel more real little by little.
Depending on their age, your child can help with a few preparations: choose between two names, share their thoughts on the nursery, or pick out an outfit or the baby’s first lovey. Getting a few things ready together or packing the diaper bag is also a natural chance to talk about what’s ahead.
The idea is simply to include them in this new adventure, at their own pace and if they want to be involved.
Help your child find their place before the baby arrives
Becoming a big brother or big sister is an adventure in its own right. As your belly grows and you get the house ready, keep their familiar routines and one-on-one moments intact.
There’s no need to keep reminding them that they’re “the big kid” now, either: they’re still your child, with their own needs and their own pace.
Then, at last, it’ll be time for introductions… and the beginning of a whole new story between siblings!
P.S. If you’re getting ready for a baby’s arrival too (or know someone who is), take a look at our Petit Picotin baby collection. Lovies, swaddle blankets, hooded baby towels, diaper bags… you’ll find plenty of essentials to prepare for the baby or a lovely gift idea.
The things your little ones say
“I had a nightmare. Luckily, I wasn’t awake.”
– Paul, age 4
“Mom, I have shivers in my teeth.”
– Léonie, age 3
“Mom, I have sleep crumbs in my eyes.”
– Charlie, age 3
AUTHOR
Hello, moi c’est Capucine ! J’espère que cet article vous a plu. Passionnée par la rédaction et spécialisée dans les contenus autour de la petite enfance, je fais partie de l’équipe éditoriale de Petit Picotin. Au fil du blog, j’explore les questions du quotidien des familles pour vous partager conseils, idées et inspirations, en m’appuyant sur des recherches, des sources spécialisées et l’expertise de notre équipe.
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