Top 10 Books for Children About Pregnancy and Birth

I love using books as a way to tackle big topics with children. Children see themselves in the characters and books can answer questions, as well as create an opportunity for discussion as a family. Here are my favorite books to read with your older children when you are expecting another child. Here are my favorite books to read with your older children when you are expecting another child.

Baby on the Way by Martha Sears
Ages 3-7

This book concentrates more on the pregnancy and anticipation of baby and the mother goes to the hospital to birth. I love that it uses anatomically correct terms like “uterus” without getting too detailed. It also had great advice for parents about helping children with this transition.

If you’re looking for one that touches more on bringing baby home, check out What Baby Needs also by Martha Sears.

You Were the First by Patricia MacLahan
Ages 4-7

This book is a bit of a tear jerker, especially if you read it while pregnant. It’s a beautiful reminder for your first born about the special place they hold in your heart and how they will always be loved, no matter how many siblings they have.

Welcome with Love/Hello Baby by Jenni Overend
Ages 3-8

This a great choice for families planning to birth at home with a midwife or for children who are curious about how other families have their babies. I love that it talks about the baby actually being born and the placenta. This story ends with the whole family snuggling up for bed by the fire.

It’s NOT the Stork by Robie H. Harris
Ages 4-10

This book is the perfect for being answering the “where do babies come from” in an age appropriate way. It looks at the differences between between boy bodies and girl bodies. I think there is too much text to read to a 4 year old, but it’s easy to skim over and read in more detail as your child asks more questions. My 9 year old niece was captivated by the information as well. Great for science minded children!

What Makes A Baby by Cory Silverberg
Ages 3-8

We love being this book that dives into conception, pregnancy and birth with fun illustrations. This book is very inclusive, making it a great choice for LGBT families. It is a bit vague, not showing genitals or mentioning sex at all. It does mention caesarean birth, which I think is great to show that babies can be born in different ways.

What’s In Your Tummy, Mummy by Sam Floyd
Ages 2-5

This exciting lift-the-flap book is a great choice for the younger crowd who don’t quite “get it” yet. The last page has a fun pop-up that will bring a smile to your child’s face.

Our Water Baby by Amy Maclean
Ages 3-8

This beautiful artwork shows a water birth at home, including the moaning sounds that a birthing person makes and that contractions may be painful. It’s really great for preparing an older child to be present when their sibling is born.

Mama, Talk About When Max Was Born by Toni Olsen
Ages 2-8

This is another book that depicts a home water birth. Max’s older sister, Presleigh, to hear the story of her baby brother being born. The illustrations are great, it mentions both midwives and doulas, as well as comfort measures like hip squeezes and essential oils. As well as being great for preparing an older sibling for a home birth, it’s also great for afterwards to help children process witnessing their sibling being born. Oddly, Presleigh isn’t present for the actual birth, she just heard about it. Most children won’t mind this though, especially if they themselves stepped away from the actual crowning moment.

A New Small Person by Lauren Child
Ages 4-10

This book is great for the reluctant only child. Elmore isn’t completely thrilled about the his baby brother, learns acceptance and grows to love his brother. Children struggling with the adjustment will appreciate the opportunity to talk through some of their fears and concerns. The mixed media artwork is super fun.

Bringing Asha Home by Uma Krishnaswami

Ages 4-9

This book is a great choice for families who are adopting. Arun must wait a year for his Kyle sister to arrive from India and readers see all of the emotions in his anticipation, as well as the Hindi holiday of Rakhi, which celebrates brother-sister relationships.