How to Involve Siblings in Baby’s First Milestones
Welcoming a new baby into the family is a beautiful moment, but for older siblings, it can also be a big adjustment. While parents are focused on feeding schedules, diapers, and sleepless nights, siblings are wondering what this change means for them. The good news? You can turn this transition into a powerful bonding experience by including siblings in baby’s first milestones.
At Milestone Magic, we believe in celebrating all members of the family during milestone moments. Here's how to make sure older siblings feel seen, valued, and connected as your family grows without adding stress to your already-full plate.
Why Including Siblings Matters
Siblings often go from being the center of attention to feeling sidelined. Including them in baby’s milestones can:
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Boost their sense of belonging and responsibility
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Strengthen the sibling bond early
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Reduce jealousy or feelings of being “left out”
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Encourage empathy and connection
When siblings participate instead of just observing, those precious first moments become shared memories, not just baby’s achievements.
Milestone Moments Siblings Can Be Part Of
Here are some sweet ways siblings can join in the celebration of baby’s big firsts:
1. First Smile
Let siblings be part of tummy time or silly-face sessions. If the baby’s first smile happens while the older sibling is playing peekaboo, that’s a magical memory for both.
2. First Steps
Have siblings hold the baby’s hands and help them balance. When those wobbly first steps happen, the older sibling will feel proud to have “helped.”
3. First Solid Food
Let your toddler or older child help mash bananas or hold the spoon (with supervision). They’ll love being the “chef” behind baby’s first taste.
4. Milestone Photos
Include siblings in photo shoots, matching outfits, themed props, or even a sibling “announcement” board like:
“Today I’m 6 months old! My big brother taught me how to roll over!”
📦 Milestone Magic Tip: Our Baby’s First Year boxes include keepsake cards and memory prompts. Add a few sibling-specific notes to make the moment even more meaningful!
Creative Ways to Involve Siblings
Create Art Together
Have the older sibling decorate a “My Baby Sister’s Firsts” poster or help design a memory page in your scrapbook.
Read Together
Pick board books about babies or siblings (“I’m a Big Brother!”, “Waiting for Baby”) and let the older sibling “read” to the baby.
Be a Helper (with Praise!)
Even small tasks like handing you wipes, choosing an outfit, or entertaining the baby during tummy time—help the sibling feel included and important.
Give Them a Camera
Let older kids take their own photos of baby’s milestones. You may be surprised by the sweet perspectives they capture.
Write Letters to Baby
Older siblings can write or draw a letter for the baby’s memory box:
“Dear baby, today you rolled over! I clapped for you. I love you.”
This turns each milestone into a shared celebration, not just a developmental checkmark.
Don’t Forget: Celebrate the Sibling, Too
Sometimes, what siblings really need is recognition of their own growth. For example:
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“You were such a good helper during baby’s first bath.”
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“You’re learning how to be a big brother and tying your shoes this week!”
Tips for Success (Without Overwhelm)
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Keep it Simple: You don’t need elaborate setups. A photo, a cuddle, and kind words go a long way.
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Be Honest: If the sibling feels left out, acknowledge it and offer special one-on-one time.
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Follow Their Lead: Some kids love helping. Others just want to observe. Either is okay.
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Create Traditions: Start a “sibling-led” milestone celebration, like a bedtime song or handmade card.
The Magic of Shared Milestones
Involving siblings in a baby’s first milestones isn’t just cute, it’s connection-building. It’s how you turn moments into memories that shape sibling relationships for years to come.
At Milestone Magic, we believe every family member deserves to feel included in life’s sweetest milestones. That’s why our keepsake boxes are thoughtfully designed to help families celebrate together from baby’s first smile to big brother’s proud high-five.
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