10 Activities to Help Older Siblings Bond with the New Baby: Fun Ways to Foster Family Connections

Welcoming a new baby into the family is an exciting time, but it can also be challenging for older siblings. They may feel left out or unsure of their new role.

We've compiled a list of 10 fun activities that can help big brothers and sisters connect with the newest family member. These ideas are designed to be engaging and age-appropriate, allowing older siblings to feel involved and important in their new role. From reading stories together to creating special artwork, these activities will help build lasting bonds between siblings from the very beginning.

1) Reading Time Together

Reading to the new baby is a wonderful way for older siblings to connect. We recommend selecting age-appropriate books that the older child enjoys. This allows them to share their favorites with their new sibling.

Encourage the older child to sit next to the baby during storytime. They can hold the book and turn the pages, fostering a sense of responsibility and involvement.

As they read, prompt the older sibling to use different voices for characters. This not only makes the experience more engaging but also helps stimulate the baby's auditory development.

For non-readers, picture books work well. The older child can describe the illustrations to the baby, promoting language skills and creativity. This activity also helps the older sibling feel important and valued in their new role.

Reading together creates a peaceful bonding time. It establishes a routine that both siblings can look forward to each day. Over time, this shared activity will build lasting memories and strengthen their relationship.

2) Sing Along During Tummy Time

Tummy time is crucial for a baby's development, and singing can make it more enjoyable for everyone involved. We've found that older siblings often love to participate in this activity.

Encourage the older child to lie down next to the baby during tummy time. They can face each other, creating a sweet bonding moment. Choose simple, catchy songs that are easy for the older sibling to learn and sing along with.

Nursery rhymes work well, as do popular children's songs. The older sibling can even make up their own tunes about their new baby brother or sister. This creative exercise helps them express their feelings about the new family dynamic.

As they sing, the older child can gently pat the baby's back or make silly faces. These interactions stimulate the baby's senses and promote social development. It's a wonderful way for siblings to connect and create positive associations with each other.

Remember to supervise these sessions closely. Keep them short and fun, ending on a high note before either child gets tired or fussy. With time, this musical tummy time can become a cherished daily ritual for the siblings.

3) Make Handmade Baby Toys

Creating baby toys together is a fantastic way for older siblings to bond with the new addition to the family. We can start by gathering safe, baby-friendly materials like soft fabric, wooden blocks, and colorful ribbons.

Let's encourage the older child to design a simple rattle using a small plastic bottle filled with dried beans or rice. They can decorate the outside with non-toxic paint or stickers.

We might also try making a sensory board using various textures like felt, corduroy, and satin. The older sibling can help choose and arrange the materials, creating a stimulating toy for the baby.

A homemade picture book is another great project. We can use family photos or the older child's drawings to create a personalized story for the baby.

Don't forget about classic sock puppets! The older sibling can transform old socks into cute characters using buttons, yarn, and fabric scraps.

These DIY projects not only result in unique toys but also foster creativity and a sense of accomplishment in the older child. Plus, the baby will have special keepsakes made with love by their big brother or sister.

4) Sibling Art Projects

Art projects provide a fantastic opportunity for older siblings to bond with the new baby while expressing their creativity. We love the idea of setting up a designated art area where siblings can work together on fun, age-appropriate activities.

One simple project is handprint or footprint art. The older child can help press the baby's tiny hand or foot onto paper, then add their own larger print alongside it. This creates a sweet keepsake that showcases their new relationship.

Another engaging activity is creating a welcome home banner for the baby. Older siblings can decorate it with colorful drawings, stickers, and personal messages. This allows them to feel involved in welcoming their new family member.

For a more hands-on approach, try finger painting together. Use non-toxic, baby-safe paints and let the older sibling guide the baby's hand to create a collaborative masterpiece. This sensory experience can be enjoyable for both children.

We also recommend making a photo collage. The older sibling can select family photos and help arrange them on a poster board. This project encourages them to reflect on their growing family and new role as a big brother or sister.

5) Outdoor Walks with the Baby

Taking outdoor walks with the new baby is a fantastic way for older siblings to bond. We recommend encouraging the older child to help push the stroller or carry a diaper bag, fostering a sense of responsibility and involvement.

These walks provide an excellent opportunity for siblings to chat about their day or share stories. The older child might enjoy pointing out interesting sights to the baby, like trees, flowers, or animals they encounter along the way.

Fresh air and gentle exercise can be beneficial for everyone involved. It's a chance for the family to spend quality time together while getting some physical activity.

We suggest letting the older sibling choose the route sometimes. This can make them feel more included and excited about the outing. They might have a favorite park or playground they'd like to show their new brother or sister.

Remember to praise the older child for their help and patience during these walks. Positive reinforcement can strengthen the sibling bond and make these outings something everyone looks forward to.

6) Storytelling with Finger Puppets

Finger puppets can be a magical way for older siblings to bond with the new baby. We love how these tiny characters bring stories to life and capture a baby's attention.

Let's encourage older children to create their own finger puppets using felt, markers, and glue. They can design characters from their favorite stories or invent new ones.

Once the puppets are ready, it's showtime! The older sibling can sit with the baby and perform a short, simple story. Babies are often mesmerized by the colorful puppets and gentle movements.

This activity nurtures creativity and storytelling skills in older children. It also helps them learn to entertain and interact with their younger sibling in a gentle, engaging way.

As the baby grows, they may reach out to touch the puppets, adding an element of interactive play. This can lead to sweet moments of connection between siblings.

We've found that even toddlers can participate in puppet storytelling with a little help. It's a wonderful activity that grows with both children, fostering a lasting bond.

7) Dance Parties to Baby Tunes

Music and movement are fantastic ways to bond with a new baby. We can encourage older siblings to participate in mini dance parties with their little brother or sister.

Let's put on some fun, age-appropriate tunes and get the whole family moving. Older siblings can show off their best moves while holding the baby or dancing nearby.

These dance sessions don't need to be long. Even a few minutes of bopping to upbeat nursery rhymes can create joyful memories for everyone involved.

We can suggest gentle movements for the older child to do with the baby, like swaying or rocking. This helps them feel involved in the baby's care and entertainment.

As the baby grows, these dance parties can become a regular family tradition. It's a great way to burn energy, have fun, and strengthen the sibling bond through shared experiences.

8) Cooking Easy Recipes Together

Cooking simple recipes with the new baby can be a fantastic bonding experience for older siblings. We recommend starting with no-bake treats that are safe and easy to prepare.

Let's try making colorful fruit kebabs together. The older sibling can wash and cut soft fruits while we supervise. They'll love arranging the pieces on skewers, creating vibrant patterns.

Another fun option is decorating cookies or cupcakes. We can bake them in advance, then let the older child spread frosting and add sprinkles. The baby might enjoy watching from a safe spot nearby.

Smoothies are another great choice. The older sibling can help measure and add ingredients to the blender. They'll be excited to share their creation with the whole family, including the new baby.

These simple cooking activities foster a sense of accomplishment and responsibility in older siblings. They'll feel proud to contribute to family meals and snacks, strengthening their bond with the new addition.

9) Create a Family Photo Album

Creating a family photo album is a wonderful way to involve older siblings in welcoming the new baby. We can encourage them to select their favorite pictures of the family, including snapshots of the new arrival.

Let's set aside time for crafting sessions where siblings can decorate album pages with stickers, drawings, and captions. This activity allows them to express their creativity while bonding with their new brother or sister.

We might suggest that older children interview family members about special moments with the baby. They can then add these stories to the album, creating a cherished keepsake for years to come.

As the album grows, we can look through it together, reminiscing about fun times and milestones. This helps reinforce the sibling bond and creates a sense of family unity.

Photography can be a fun shared activity too. We can teach older siblings how to safely take pictures of the baby, giving them a special role in documenting family memories.

10) Sibling Bath Time Fun

Bath time can be a wonderful opportunity for older siblings to bond with the new baby. We recommend inviting the older child to participate in this daily ritual under close adult supervision.

Older siblings can help by gently splashing water or blowing bubbles to entertain the baby. They might also assist in washing the baby's tummy or feet with a soft cloth. This hands-on involvement can foster a sense of responsibility and connection.

Singing songs or telling stories during bath time is another great way for siblings to interact. The older child can choose favorite tunes or make up silly rhymes about bath time adventures.

Floating toys provide endless entertainment for both children. The older sibling can demonstrate how to play with boats, ducks, or other water-safe toys, encouraging the baby's curiosity and motor skills.

After the bath, siblings can help by holding a towel or passing items to the parent. This teamwork approach reinforces the idea that caring for the baby is a family effort.