Great gifts to give older siblings when a new baby arrives

gifts-for-siblings

by Samantha Ball |
Updated on

When introducing your new baby to your toddler it is both exciting and a little daunting, especially because you don't know how they will react. However, by getting a gift for siblings from the new baby, you can feel more confident that they'll be excited about the new arrival, even if it's just because you've given them a nudge in the right direction.

When your eldest was born, your first week with them was probably a lot different to your first week with a second baby. This time you not only have to cope with the demands of a newborn, such as night feeds and limited sleep, but also running around after your eldest too. On top of that, it's easy to worry about how your eldest will adjust to the addition of a newborn, especially as they might not be used to sharing your attention as much as they will have to now you have two children to look after.

While they'll no doubt grow up with the best little bond, the first meet can feel scary for parents, and for your eldest as well, who doesn't know what to expect.

There are many ways to prepare your little one for the arrival of a second baby, but buying a gift for siblings 'from' the new baby is a perfect way to do that. Whether it's a toy they've been wanting for weeks, or a 'best big brother or sister' themed gift, a gift for siblings from the new baby is a lovely way to ensure your eldest feels included.

Best new baby gifts for siblings at a glance

Best overall gift for sibling from the new baby: VTech 507103 Kidizoom Dup Camera 5.0
Best matching gift for sibling from the new baby: Big and Little Sibling Robes
Best book for sibling from the new baby: You're The Biggest: Keepsake Gift Book

Best gifts for siblings from new baby

Best overall gift for sibling from the new baby

best gift for siblings from the new baby
Price: $158.53

Description

Help your eldest feel included by getting them their very own camera from bump, to capture moments that you can all love and treasure. The VTech 507103 Kidizoom Duo Camera helps to give your child an important role as they'll be keen to take pictures. They can also record videos and play games. Also available in the colour pink.

One review said: "Our 5 year old grandson loves this camera. The various features (photos, videos, effects, games etc.) keep him and his friends entertained for ages. The casing is sturdy, chunky and easy to hold - perfect for little hands, and it's rugged enough to stand up to the rough treatment that it's sure to receive."

Pros

  • Takes high-quality photos
  • Front and rear-facing camera
  • Durable

Cons

  • Limited colour choices

Best matching gift for sibling from the new baby

Description

The Big and Little Sibling Robes are a must! They look absolutely adorable and are lovely and cosy for your little ones. The robes can be personalised with embroidered writing saying 'big brother/sister' and 'little brother/sister' and there's a choice of colours too.

One review said: "Love these matching sibling sets. Perfect for a new addition and also for the older sibling to be involved too."

Pros

  • Secure waist tie and pockets
  • Snuggly and soft

Cons

  • Only pink and blue colour choices

Best book gift for sibling from the new baby

best gift for siblings from the new baby

Rrp: $12.00

Price: $10.84

Description

You're The Biggest: Keepsake Gift Book is a beautifully illustrated book that celebrates the eldest's role as a new sibling. It has a really sentimental message, whilst also reassuring your little one they are loved and appreciated. There's also space at the front of the book for a handwritten message.

One review said: "Recipient said it brought tears to her eyes when she first read it to her toddler who has just become a big brother. Beautiful gift and delighted by the remarks made by the recipient"

Pros

  • Space for personal message
  • Hardback book

Cons

  • Some mentioned the book was smaller than expected

Best baby doll gift for sibling with new baby

Description

The Baby Annabell Leah Doll is incredibly soft to hold and makes realistic sounds and movements, such as suckling on the dummy. It is the perfect gift for an older sibling, meaning they too can care for their own baby, just like you are caring for their new sibling.

Mother&Baby writer, Mother of two, Samantha Ball, said: "Growing up I absolutely adored my Baby Annabell and to see how much better the dolls have gotten and to watch my own children play with their own is incredible. My son loves copying what I do with his baby sister, such as outfit changes and rocking to sleep, which is sweet to see"

Pros

  • Realistic mouth movements
  • Responds to rocking motions and tickles

Cons

  • Additional outfits to be bought separately

Best music player gift for siblings from the new baby

Description

While a more expensive gift from your baby, the Toniebox Starter Set is a really exciting gift! It's screen-free and easy to use, so your eldest can listen to stories or music independently. You can collect your childs favourite characters to read stories, which will help at bedtime or on long journeys.

One review said: "Our little girl loves this, We use it as a music box more than for the story aspect. Love that each character comes with content but has room to add your own using the app, we add on all her favourite songs, so she can swap to the characters she wants. If you get a new character simply put it on the box wait for it to sync and it pulls the character through to the app. So easy to set up and use. Very child friendly. Charges up quickly and has good battery life. Can be used on charge or portably."

Pros

  • Can help improve literacy skills
  • Portable
  • Screen-free

Cons

  • Characters sold separately

Best bump gift for sibling from the new baby

Description

This Hello In There: A Big Sister's Book of Waiting makes a gorgeous gift while you're preparing for your new arrival. The charming protagonist is so excited for her new big sister role and tells baby about all the things that are waiting for them when they arrive.

One review said: "My almost 4 year old daughter was initially resistant when we told her about the baby in my tummy. This book has a growing mommy tummy with a lift the flap, showing a growing baby, and a big sister on the outside talking positively about all the things she will do or wonders about the baby inside the tummy. It is sweet, positive and very cute. My daughter warmed right up to the idea of the baby in my tummy after reading this book. She asks for it every night now. Definitely recommend it even with the higher price point."

Pros

  • Interactive with lift-the-flaps
  • Sturdy pages

Cons

  • No big brother alternative

Best toy gift for sibling from the new baby

best gift for siblings from the new baby
Price: £40

Description

The In The Stars Galaxy Counting Game makes a lovely gift for young siblings. It can help improve their counting and fine motor skills, and can even help them learn a little bit about space. It's a great gift to keep little ones busy during this new stage of parenthood.

One review said: "A beautiful learn-to-count stacker with a bead maze included - it's all space themed and adorable"

Pros

  • Teaches numeracy and dexterity
  • Comes with storage box
  • Multiple interactive elements

Cons

  • Only counts up to five

Best teddy gift for sibling from the new baby

Description

These Personalised Siblings Teddy Bears can feature 'big brother/sister' and 'little brother/sister' name tags. It's a gorgeous snuggly bear that has a traditional teddy bear look. While they might appear similar, their tufted hair makes every bear different.

One review said: "I bought 2 teddies for the two baby daughters of a dear friend. Here is her reaction: "Oh my goodness!! Those teddy bears are just the most beautiful things. Thank you so so much. ". Nothing much to add, I guess, besides a big thank you."

Pros

  • Option to personalise
  • Soft and cuddly

Cons

  • Extra charge if you want the bears the same size

Best big brother gift for sibling from the new baby

Description

The Sibling Gift for New Baby, New Big Brother Gift Set includes a delicious gingerbread, wooden rosette badge, blank card and Three Little Bunnies Peter Rabbit Book. It's such a thoughtful gift idea from the new baby, as it includes hand chosen items. You can even choose the gingerbread man style and mindfullness cards.

Pros

  • Multiple gifts in one box
  • Posted straight to the big brother
  • Blank card to include personalised message from the new baby

Cons

  • No sister alternative

Best jumper gift for sibling from the new baby

Description

Made from 100 per cent cotton with "best sister" motif on the front, the Printed Sibling Sweatshirt is super cosy to wear. It reinforces big sister that she is the best, and reassures her that her new baby sibling knows that too.

One review said: "Such a good price for a lovely sweatshirt"

Pros

  • Vibrant colour
  • Comfortable fit

Cons

  • No other colour option

Best doll carrier gift for siblings

Description

This carrier lets your eldest join in the fun and carry their own doll around in a baby carrier just like you are doing with their new sibling. It is made of one hundred percent cotton and is machine washable too.

Review: 'My granddaughter aged six, absolutely loves this as she loves to take one of her many dolls around with her. Especially useful when she accompanies me on our walks through the forest, it means i don't end up carrying her precious dolls.'

Pros

  • Looks just like the adult version
  • can be worn in front or back carry position

Cons

  • Quite big for younger children

Best big sister jewellery gift for siblings

Description

This sweet bracelet is a lovely gift for a new big sister. She will be proud to wear such a cute piece of jewellery which displays her new role. The bracelet is customisable and it's stretchy so should fit any wrist.

Review: 'We love this bracelet! It was the perfect, special gift for future big sis. It’s nice and stretchy and fits perfectly. My order came fast too!'

Pros

  • Fits any wrist
  • Makes a lovely keepsake

Cons

  • No big brother option

Best brother photo frame gift for siblings

Brother photo frame
Price: $26.78

Description

This Me and My Brother Photo Frame makes a lovely keepsake gift for an older sibling. They will feel really special having a photo with their new brother displayed in their room.

One reviewer said: 'Well made and packaged. Exactly what I'd searched for as a gift for my grandaughter when she became a big sister. I fully recommend.'

Pros

  • Will make any new big sibling feel really special
  • Cute teddy bear decoration on the frame

Cons

  • No Me and My Sister option available

Best hideaway gift for new siblings

Description

This air fort has an exciting starry design and will create the perfect hideaway for new big siblings. The air fort is inflatable and features glow in the dark stars on the ceiling. Life with a new baby can sometimes be loud and busy and this gift will allow siblings to find some peace and quiet in their own special place.

Pros

  • Creates a place of peace and quiet for older siblings
  • magical space theme

Cons

  • Need a box fan to inflate the tent

Best toddler backpack gift for siblings

Description

This really useful backpack will be extremely popular with new siblings. They will love packing their own bag just like you pack baby's nappy bag. Plus, this backpack has a sweet coin purse attached and extra large side pockets are great to hold your child's water bottle for trips out.

Review: 'Brought the smaller sized bag for my son (10months) whilst attending nursery. Perfect size to fit his spare clothes in, bibs, muslin's and 2 bottles whith side pockets to spare. Little mini loose pocket fits his dummy and dummy clip in nicely. Good quality as well.'

Pros

  • Lots of pockets for all the essentials
  • Padded shoulder strap for extra comfort

Cons

  • No choice of designs

How to introduce your baby to their sibling

While a gift for siblings from the new baby is appreciated, it's important to remember not to put too much pressure on them when they first meet their new brother or sister.

Your eldest might not be interested in them all the time, as they realise babies can't do much, but when they do show interest there's a few things you can do:

Encourage gentle behaviour: if your eldest does something, such as stroking their baby sibling's head, make a big deal about their action. For example: "You did that so gently, I'm sure your baby sibling loved you comforting them!"

Hold onto routine: it's important to keep your eldest's routine as normal as possible, that way they won't feel like the baby has changed everything. Even if your eldest is too young to understand, talk them through their routine. For example: "it's time for bed soon, I'm just going to feed the baby then we will read a book"

Choose your moments: your eldest might not want to interact with their baby sibling, especially if they're tired or hungry. This is perfectly normal, and it's probably best not to push baby cuddles at these moments!

Samantha Ball is a Product & Lifestyle Writer for Mother&Baby and freelanced for the website for two years before joining the team full time. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best products and cute outfits.

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