There's Going to Be a Baby: questions to ask and activities to try
When is the baby coming? What will it be called? Do we even need a baby? There's Going to Be a Baby gently follows a little boy's questions as he waits for a new brother or sister.
What age is it for? There's Going to Be a Baby is best for ages 2–6. Good for: Waiting for a new brother or sister.
There's Going to Be a Baby (John Burningham and Helen Oxenbury)
- Age
- 2-6
- Best for
- Waiting for a new brother or sister
Read it over several weeks before a baby arrives, and let your child ask their own questions. The boy's mixed feelings are normal, so welcome them.
What it helps with
- Getting ready for a new sibling
- Mixed feelings about change
- Asking questions about something new
- Time passing month by month
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.
- “What did the boy want to know about the baby?”
- “What did he imagine the baby would do?”
- “Did he always want the baby?”
- “How did he feel at the end?”
- “What would you like to know about a new baby?”
- “What could you teach a baby?”
5-minute activities to try together
Baby questions
Write down all your child's questions about the baby and answer them together.
Big sibling job
Choose one special job your child can do for the baby, like singing a song.
Free printables: There's Going to Be 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
15 Things Not To Do With a Baby (Margaret McAllister and Holly Sterling)
- Best for
- Getting ready for a new baby brother or sister
- Age
- 3-6
Double Trouble for Anna Hibiscus! (Atinuke and Lauren Tobia)
- Best for
- A new baby (or two!), and feeling left out
- Age
- 3-7
So Much (Trish Cooke and Helen Oxenbury)
- Best for
- Feeling loved by a big family
- Age
- 0-5
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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.