15 Things Not To Do With a Baby: questions to ask and activities to try
Don't lend your baby to a kangaroo, and definitely don't plant it in the garden! 15 Things Not To Do With a Baby is a funny way to help a big brother or sister get ready for a new arrival.
What age is it for? 15 Things Not To Do With a Baby is best for ages 3–6. Good for: Getting ready for a new baby brother or sister.
15 Things Not To Do With a Baby (Margaret McAllister and Holly Sterling)
- Age
- 3-6
- Best for
- Getting ready for a new baby brother or sister
Read it for the giggles first. Then turn to the “do” pages and ask what your child could do to help with the baby. It works well in the weeks before a baby arrives, and again once they're home.
What it helps with
- Getting ready for a new brother or sister
- Feeling included when a baby arrives
- Gentle ways to be with a baby
- Laughing together about a big change
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Which was the silliest thing not to do with a baby?”
- “Why shouldn’t you lend a baby to a kangaroo?”
- “What does a baby need from its family?”
- “What could you do to help with a new baby?”
- “How do you think a big brother or sister feels when a baby arrives?”
- “What did you like doing when you were a baby?”
5-minute activities to try together
Our own list
Make your own list of silly things not to do with a baby, and a list of kind things to do. Draw a picture for each.
Baby photos
Look at photos of your child as a baby and talk about what they needed then, and how much they can do now.
Free printables: 15 Things Not To Do With a Baby worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Owl Babies (Martin Waddell and Patrick Benson)
- Best for
- Missing a parent, and trusting they'll come back
- Age
- 2-5
Fair Shares (Pippa Goodhart and Anna Doherty)
- Best for
- What's fair, and why fair isn't always the same
- Age
- 3-6
The Koala Who Could (Rachel Bright and Jim Field)
- Best for
- Handling change and unfamiliar situations
- Age
- 3+
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.