Families who loved 15 Things Not to Do with a Baby by Margaret McAllister often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their older child is struggling with the arrival of a new sibling and needs a safe, silly outlet for their frustration. It is specifically designed for the moment when the novelty of a new baby has worn off and been replaced by the realization that babies are loud, demanding, and take up a lot of space. By listing absurdly wrong ways to handle a baby, like mailing them to Timbuktu or putting them in the freezer, the book uses humor to decompress the tension of sibling rivalry. While the first half of the book is an absurdist 'don't' list that will have toddlers giggling, the second half pivots to a sweet 'do' list. This shift helps children move from feelings of jealousy toward empathy and protective love. It is an ideal choice for ages 2 to 5, offering a bridge between the 'big kid' role and the messy reality of family life. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's darker impulses through comedy while ultimately reinforcing that the baby is a permanent, beloved member of the family.
