First Experiences: The New Baby

Date: 1996
Author: Fred Rogers
Photographs: Jim Judkis
Publisher: Paperstar
Series: First Experiences
ISBN: 0698113667
Purchase: Amazon (Paperback)

Text and photographs copyright © 1985 by Family Communications, Inc.

Date: 1985
Author: Fred Rogers
Photographs: Jim Judkis
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Series: First Experiences
ISBN: 0399212388
Purchase: Amazon (Paperback)

Text and photographs copyright © 1985 by Family Communications, Inc.

Summary

The New Baby is a publication from the Mister Rogers' Neighborhood First Experiences series. In this book, real life photos are used to help young people feel more comfortable with any fears or reservations they may be feeling about a new addition to their families.

A Note From Fred Rogers

For a firstborn child, the arrival of a baby brother or sister is almost sure to arouse mixed feelings. Along with all the excitement, suddently someone else is sharing the attention and love that the firstborn used to have all alone. When a child starts feeling unsure about his or her place in the family, that child sometimes reacts with outbursts of anger, baby talk, and other baby ways.

We can help our firstborns to accept a new baby by assuring them of their own special place in the family -- a place that no one else can ever take. We can assure them of our love by making special time for them alone with us and by encouraging them to talk about their feelings. And by helping our firstborns feel active and important in the care of the new baby, we can let them know how proud we are of the many ways they're growing.