How to use it together
- Enter the due date, your child’s first name and age.
- Open the page together on your phone or tablet.
- Come back every week for a new activity.
Why we count in sleeps
Young children do not understand weeks or dates yet. “20 sleeps” is easier to picture. You can also link the wait to something they know, like a birthday or a holiday.
Babies rarely come exactly on the due date. When the countdown ends, the page simply says the baby is here, or coming very soon.
Things to do before the baby comes
| Activity | Idea |
|---|---|
| Talk to the baby | Sing a song, tell a story, or put a hand on the tummy. |
| Draw for the baby | A drawing a week, for example “our family with the baby”. |
| Choose a gift | Your child picks a toy for the baby, and the baby “brings” a gift for the big sibling at the first meeting. |
| Practise | Hold a doll gently, and help pack the baby’s bag. |
| Name vote, just for fun | Let your child vote on the names you both already like. Parents decide. |
Printable storybook, certificate and helper chart: Big Sibling printables.
Safe for children
The child’s page (Big Sibling Mode) has no ads and no tracking, and we store nothing. Your child’s name stays inside the link. A grown-up should be there when the child uses it.
Questions people ask
At what age can my child use it?
Choose 2–4, 5–8 or 9–12. The words and activities change with the age.
Is it safe for children?
Yes: no ads, no tracking, no chat, and nothing is sent to us. A grown-up should be nearby.
Why count in sleeps, not days?
Young children cannot picture weeks or dates yet. Sleeps, or a link to a familiar event like a birthday, make the wait easier to understand.
Is it normal if my child acts younger again?
Yes. Toilet accidents or asking for a bottle are common, and are often a way of checking they still have your love and attention. Give them the attention they need, and praise grown-up behaviour (AAP).
Should we finish toilet training or a move to a big bed first?
If you can, finish big changes before the birth. If not, wait until the baby is settled at home, so your child does not face too much at once (AAP).
How can my child feel included?
Let them help get ready, like choosing baby clothes, picking out nappies or getting the baby’s room ready. Ask visitors to spend some time with the big sibling too (AAP). More ideas are in our guide to preparing your child.
Read the full guide: Big sibling countdown
Sources
- HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics): Preparing your older child for a new baby · checked October 26, 2026