New baby social story for kids

A new baby social story is a short picture book that shows a child what to expect when a baby joins the family: the growing tummy, the hospital, coming home, crying, feeding and special time. Naming the changes ahead of time can help big feelings feel more okay. Ready Story puts your child's name and look on every page.

Last updated: October 2026

Make this story with your child's name and look$3.99 per book. Preview every page first. No account.

What happens when a new baby comes home

A growing babyThe baby is growing in a parent's tummy. The tummy gets big and round.
Going to the hospitalWhen it is time, the parent goes to the hospital. A grown-up your child knows takes care of them.
Coming homeThe parent comes home with the baby. Visitors may come to see the baby.
A tiny babyNew babies are very small. They sleep, eat and cry a lot, and they are too little to play yet.
CryingCrying is how babies ask for help. Your child can cover their ears or go to a quiet spot.
FeelingsThe baby needs lots of feeding, and the grown-ups may be tired. Your child may feel happy, sad or jealous, and all feelings are OK.
Helping and special timeYour child can help by bringing a diaper or singing a song, and by being gentle. There is special time just for your child.

Before, during and after

Before

Read the story several times during the pregnancy or adoption process.
Visit a friend with a baby, or look at baby photos together.
Make a plan for who cares for your child when you go to the hospital.
Set up your child's own space or comfort items that will not change.

During

Keep routines the same where you can.
Name feelings out loud, including jealousy, without judging.
Offer small jobs, like fetching a diaper or choosing a song.

After

Schedule special time for your child every day, even if short.
Re-read the story when crying or visitors feel like too much.
Praise gentle touches, like "You were gentle with the baby."

A look inside the book

Three real pages from the new baby book. In your copy, your child's name and look replace the bracketed words and the child in the picture.

Page 1 of 9: Saying hello
My name is [your child's name]. Soon our family will have a new baby.
Page 6 of 9: Crying
Babies can cry loudly. Crying is how babies ask for help. The baby may cry at night too. I can cover my ears or go to a quiet spot.
Page 8 of 9: Helping
I can help by bringing a diaper or singing a song. I ask [grown-up] before I touch the baby. I am gentle. I might get to hold the baby, sitting down, with help.

Make this story with your child's name and look$3.99 per book. Preview every page first. No account.

Questions parents ask

When should I start reading a new baby story?

Many families start during the pregnancy and read it often, then again after the baby arrives. Follow your child's interest.

Does it cover jealous feelings?

Yes. The story says a child might feel happy, sad or jealous, that all feelings are OK, and that they can tell a grown-up how they feel.

Can I change the words for our family?

Yes. You can edit the words on each page, for example who stays with your child or how the baby arrives.

How much does it cost?

$3.99 per book. You preview every page first, and you do not need an account.

Is this a replacement for family support?

No. It prepares a child at home. Talk to your child's care team about specific needs.