How to prepare your toddler for a new baby
Start talking about the baby early, keep it simple and honest, and give your child a way to picture the day before it comes.
Custom story for Lily
Lily felt lonely while Mom was at the hospital, but her toy dolphin's magic adventure and Mom's reassurance showed her she was still deeply loved.
Dolphin and the Secret Tea Party
Story created for Lily
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests bringing up the baby early with toddlers, and being honest with preschoolers that a new baby is cute but also cries and takes a lot of your time. If you can, finish big changes like potty training or a move to a big bed before the baby arrives. If not, wait until things settle at home. A little backsliding is normal, like accidents or asking for a bottle.
Every child takes it differently. A review of 30 studies found large differences between firstborns: some show a lot of change, some grow, and many show very little.
A social story is a short story that walks a child through what's coming. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia suggests one that shows your family as it is now, the day the baby arrives, what will change and what will stay the same, and that you'll still have time for them. That's why Tella is built so the story stars your child with your real family.
A new baby social story starring your child
Here's how Lily's story goes.
Mom is at the hospital with the new baby, and the house feels very quiet. 
Lily asks the question on her mind: does Mom only love the new baby now? 
Mom comes home and opens her arms, just for Lily. 
Lily meets her baby brother and wonders if he'll play tomorrow.
Questions parents ask
- When should I tell my toddler about the new baby?
- Early, in small, simple pieces. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests bringing it up early with toddlers so the idea becomes familiar, and with preschoolers waiting for natural moments, like setting up the nursery or a question about Mom's growing belly. Tell them plainly that you'll love them just as much once the baby is here.
- My toddler is jealous of the new baby. What can I do?
- Jealousy and a little backsliding are normal. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests involving your child in getting ready for the baby, keeping one-on-one time with them after the birth, letting them sit beside you during feedings, and asking visiting relatives to spend time with them too. Praise the grown-up moments rather than scolding the setbacks. If your toddler hits the baby, there's more on our hitting and biting page.
- Should we finish potty training before the baby comes?
- If you can, yes. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests finishing potty training or a switch to a big bed before the baby arrives. If it isn't done in time, wait until the baby has settled at home, so your child isn't learning something new while getting used to a sibling.
- Can toddlers sense a new baby is coming?
- What toddlers clearly notice is change: a nursery taking shape, new routines, a parent who's more tired. Naming those changes out loud, and showing them in a story about your own family, gives your child words for what they're already seeing.
- Is there a personalized big sister or big brother book?
- Tella makes a story instead of a printed book. It stars your child, your family and the baby by name, and it's ready the same day on your phone, tablet or TV. When the baby comes home, the story can carry on from there.
Questions parents ask about Tella
- Is it more screen time?
- You watch it together, and it's about a real day in your child's life. No feed, and every story has an ending.
- Is it safe?
- No photo needed. See what we keep and who sees it.
- Is it really about my child?
- Every scene shows your child and your family, not a name dropped into a template.
- What does it cost?
- Your first story is free. No card needed.
- Why not just ask ChatGPT?
- See how a Tella story compares.
Updated October 30, 2026.
Made by parents for kids.
Learn more about us.Tella Stories: personalized stories for kids
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