When the new Baby Comes Home
by Heidi Murkoff

This book in the What to Expect Series address the feelings most older siblings, ages 2 - 5 may experience when a new baby joins the family--what will the new baby be like and how will it influence my standing? With simple language and with the help of Angus, the answer dog, Ms Murkoff answers questions simply and with understanding.

One real positive is the role of daddy in the book. He shares equally in responsibilities. There is no sexism portrayed. Daddy changes diapers, dresses, holds, and bathes the baby.

With the introduction of each subject, there are suggestions of how the young reader can relate to the particular topic presented.

Synopsis

This is a book for big brothers and sisters who will be welcoming home a new brother or sister. It is also for parents who want a simple, straight-forward, unpatronizing book to help them discuss the soon-to-be-real baby with their child.

Description

Quoting from Heidi Murkoff in her A Word to Parents introduction, "How to prepare your child? What to Expect When the New Baby Comes Home is a good place to start. It will serve as a new-baby primer, giving your child the lowdown on these strange, wrinkled creatures, explaining exactly what new babies look like, what and how they eat, why they cry and demand so much attention, what they've done to deserve so many presents, when they'll walk and talk and become fun companions. This book will answer your child's many questions about new babies and will address some of the worries your child may have about sharing the house and your love with this mysterious newcomer."

Answer Dog, Angus and lots of great full-color illustrations show how daddy gives baby a bath, how mommy feeds the new baby, what a new baby looks like (the soft spot, a large head, no teeth, a funny-looking stump in the middle of the tummy, wrinkles, etc.) This is a book to be read with your child. It can allay fears, answer questions, and help reinforce the importance of being the oldest child.