Rhymes to Help Siblings Adjust to a New Baby

Welcoming a new baby is an exciting time for families, but it is also a period of adjustment for everyone. Parents should make sure to include older siblings in the preparations and festivities surrounding the new baby's birth. AskDr.Sears.com recommends that parents become sensitive to the needs of older siblings while caring for the new baby. Simple rhymes can help siblings accept the new baby, work through feelings of jealousy or resentment and also spend fun time with Mom and Dad.

  1. Waa Waa Baby

    • Help siblings bond with the new baby with a rhyme that follows the rhythm of the classic nursery rhyme, "Baa Baa Black Sheep."

      Waa waa baby, do you need a hand?
      Yes sis (bro), yes sis (bro), you are so grand.
      First I need a snuggle,
      and then I need a hug.
      Then I need a kiss from my favorite sister (brother), Sue.

      Waa waa baby, do you need a hand?
      Yes sis (bro), yes sis (bro), you are so grand.

    That-a-Boy

    • Take your older child back to a time when he was the baby with a new rendition of "Pat-a-Cake." Include the classic hand movements as desired.

      That a boy (girl), that a boy (girl), big brother's (sister's) rule.
      Show me what makes you cool.

      You're tall (raise hand from low to high), and you're wide (extend hands out wide).
      And you're oh-so-smart (point to temple with finger).

      You are the bro (sis) with the biggest heart.

    I'm Big, I Can Help

    • Empower older children to be mommy's helper when feelings of jealousy surface by following the rhythm of the classic nursery rhyme, "Rain, Rain Go Away."

      I'm big, I can help,
      I can rock the baby.

      I'm big, I can help,
      I love my little sister (brother).

      I'm big, I can help,
      I can feed the baby.

      I'm big, I can help,
      I love my little sister (brother).

      I'm big, I can help,
      I can watch the baby.

      I'm big, I can help,
      I love my little sister (brother).

    This Older Sister

    • Help siblings embrace the privileges received for being older than the baby. Adapt the words to "This Little Piggy," but keep the toe-wiggling as a fun way to bond with your older kids using all 10 toes.

      This older sister (brother) stayed up late.
      But the baby fell asleep.

      This older sister (brother) runs so fast.
      But the baby can't even creep.

      This older sister (brother) sings her (his) ABCs.
      But the baby says goo and gah.

      This older sister (brother) climbs tall trees.
      But the baby lies on her (his) back.

      This older sister (brother) loves her (his) baby so.
      And the baby doesn't even know.

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