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NICU Big Brother and Sister
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A big sibling can be excited about the baby and still be tired of waiting. Louise feels both in this story, which makes it a good one to read together when the question is, “When is baby coming home?”
Waiting for Max
These coloring pages help a big sibling see why baby brother is staying in the NICU and give them a small role they can understand. I would color together and let the questions come. Keep crayons out of baby’s bedspace.
Come Home Soon, Baby Brother!
After a hard goodbye or a visit the older child could not make, I would give them this warm plush for a cuddle at home. It is for the sibling, never baby’s NICU bed or sleep space, and an adult should handle heating according to the label.
Puppy Warmies
The big kid deserves a comfort object that is just theirs while baby needs so much attention. I would keep this snuggler at home or in the waiting area, never in baby’s bed or care space.
Bigfoot Snuggler
A doll lets an older sibling practice gentle care and play out some of what they see adults doing for the real baby. I would keep it in a family space, outside the NICU bedspace.
Wee Baby Stella Doll Brown with Black Hair
For a child waiting to meet her baby sister, these coloring pages can make the NICU a little less mysterious. I would color together and talk about what she sees, without promising a homecoming date.
Come Home Soon, Baby Sister!
When so much of the family’s attention is at the hospital, I like a gift that invites the older child into the conversation. I would use this support package to ask what they understand and how they feel, and check with the unit before bringing any p...
NICU Sibling Support Package
An older child can have a small daily ritual for the wait without being promised a discharge date. I would use these NICU countdown cards to make room for their questions, keep the cord and clips away from baby, and check the unit’s rules before brin...
Countdown Cards — NiCU Edition - Welcome to HAPPYtown!
I would work through these pages together when a big sibling needs a way to make sense of why the new baby is in the NICU. There is room to color, ask questions, and feel things that are not all happy. Keep the book and art supplies outside baby’s ca...
Our New Baby is in the NICU: Activity Book
A preschooler can feel left out while everyone talks about the baby in the NICU. I like that this personalized story gives the older child a place in the family story without asking them to hide the sadness. It takes time to personalize, so I would c...
NICU Sibling Book: Waiting for Your Baby Brother or Sister - Personalized Books
A woodland coloring book can make unfamiliar NICU words a little less daunting for a young child waiting for a little brother. I would use the alphabet pages to start conversations about doctors, tests, and handwashing, then answer only what the chil...
My Little Brother is NICU Strong: Woodland Coloring Book for Siblings
An older brother or sister may have a lot to say about this unfamiliar hospital world. I would read this colorful introduction together, let them name their feelings, and answer their questions without promising when baby will come home.
Our New Baby in the NICU: Book for Siblings
A picture book for a big sister meeting the NICU for the first time. I would read it together before a visit and let her questions lead. Check with the unit about sibling visiting rules and age limits first.
Big Sis Visits the NICU - Terri Major-Kincade