The New Baby

by Fred Rogers

It can be tough for a toddler to understand the changes that happen in a family with the addition of a new baby. Who better to help the older-sibling-to-be than the friendliest man in the neighborhood? Mr. Rogers will help older siblings understand that they are not loved any less and to anticipate all the joy having a younger sibling can bring.

Genres: Childrens, Family, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Parenting

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Fred McFeely Rogers was an American educator, minister, songwriter, and television host. Rogers was the host of the television show Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, in production from 1968 to 2001. Rogers was also an ordained Presbyterian minister.

Reviews

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was a very sweet book! I found it at the library and love how there are pictures of families from several different backgrounds. There's also a wonderful picture of a mother obviously breastfeeding next to a picture of a father bottle-feeding so children can see both ways of feeding a baby. This is not a book about the physical process of pregnancy or childbirth, but about how children can deal with the not so sweet feelings that are completely normal when getting a new sibling and how parents can love more than one child even when it seems as though the parents pay more attention to the baby than to the big sibling. I wish my parents had read me this book when I was 5 and my baby brother was just born!

My "baby" is almost one year old and my two older children (ages 5 and 3) really enjoyed hearing me read this book to them. They loved the pictures - photos, not illustrations - especially of the new babies. Yes, the photos are dated somewhat, but the loving families they show are timeless.

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always forget how truly excellent Fred Rogers was at getting at things from a child's level and understanding. He tackles jealousy, anger, loneliness, all without casting blame or suggesting that any of those feelings are bad or not valid. I love that there's a black family and a white family, moms and dads both taking part in all aspects of child rearing, and even a mom breastfeeding. It's probably the most honest book out there to introduce an older child to the challenges and joys of a new baby in the house.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone claiming that the book is "too negative" are simply trying to negate, deny, or erase children's very real and valid feelings. Mr. Rogers addresses these feelings in an empathetic way and reaffirms the child's sense of belonging in the family. This is the best book for young children (and even beyond preschool aged children) about a new baby in the family.

[E & E’s Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful photographs of older siblings interacting with babies; good age-appropriate explanations of emotions they may be experiencing with the transition in the family. It was a bit long for Elliot, but I think he’ll be more ready for it when baby girl arrives when he turns 3 in the fall.

[Lolo Onda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little dated for sure but I read this to my toddler when she really started to grasp onto the idea that we would have a new baby in our family soon. She liked the pictures and was interested in the book.

[Maria U. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only new baby book I’ve seen that shows breastfeeding

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband and I read this book to our daughter after we told her she was going to become a big sister. I love that it didn't focus entirely on jealousy, as so many of these New Baby books do, because we didn't want to set up the expectation that our daughter would just be jealous or angry. This book instead discusses a wide range of possible feelings and behaviors and talks about all kinds of things older siblings can show the new baby as he or she grows.

This book needs a new edition, though! It was published in 1985, and the photos definitely telegraph that. (Baby sleeping on his tummy, covered by a loose blanket, with a stuffed animal in the corner of a crib that has those bumper things tied to the corners, anyone?)

[Heather the Banjo Queen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is pretty dated...the pictures are fascinating studies in history, but the content can't be beat. We checked this one out from the library before #2 was born and it really helped #1 get what was going on.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I tried to avoid books that talked about anger or animosity towards the baby, which this book does address. Mr. Rogers does it well, though, so a useful addition in starting a conversation about the new arrival.

[Ted Parsons · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my teaching career, i have dealt with students whose mother recently had or will soon be having a baby, The student sibling is dealing with a variety of emotions like jealousy, envy, joy etc. This book has a very understandable and effective way of explaining why a student may feel these things.

[Kit · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just doesn't work for our family. I prefer books that are more positive about the older child's transition into becoming a sibling.

[Megan Bratton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in child friendly language. Discusses how a child may feel about a new baby and how to feel with those emotions.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just read this book and fell in love with Mr. Rogers again. I didn't know he was an author but now that I do I have a goal to read all his books.

[DuPar · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book focuses too much on the negatives of becoming a sibling. Even though it tries to address, some of the issues that will come up, the positives don't outweigh the negatives.