Is there soon to be a new baby in the house? As the new member joins the family, the household may feel as if it has been turned upside down. But if you keep older children involved, you can make them part of the transition.

Here's an activity for including older siblings in welcoming that newborn. Just sit down together and decorate the baby's first one-piece cotton outfits. You'll be dressing the baby with creative pizzazz, and the siblings will be proud of being part of it all.

  • Prewashed, solid-color or white 100 percent cotton baby one-piece style outfit with snaps (or use a newborn-size cotton T-shirt)

  • Wax paper or cardboard

  • Cookie cutters

  • Fabric paints in squeeze bottles

  • Paper plate

  • Small foam paintbrushes or sponges clipped to clothespins

  • Pencil with eraser

    HERE'S WHAT TO DO:

    1. Lay the one-piece outfit or T-shirt on a work surface. Place a piece of cardboard or wax paper between the two layers of fabric to protect the reverse side from any paint that may soak through. Choose a cookie cutter for a stencil. A star, moon, heart, duckling! Anything goes. Place it anywhere on the fabric.

    2. Pour a little permanent fabric paint onto a paper plate. Dip in the small foam paintbrush. Holding the cookie cutter firmly, dab inside it, making sure to reach all the edges. (You don't have to put equal density of paint all over the shape. A little variation actually adds interest.)

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    When you're through, lift the cookie cutter up to see the beautiful design. .

    3. Dunk the eraser end of the pencil in a little paint. It can be the same color you used for the cookie-cutter shape or a different color. Then, stamp it along the neck or sleeves for a whimsical border.

    4. Add a few final details with the fabric squeeze bottles. You might write "Wee One" on the heart. Or write the baby's name and date of birth. When baby wears it, take a photo to use for clever birth announcements.

    5. After the paint is dry, remove the cardboard or wax paper. If the paint bottles say to do so, now is the time to iron on the reverse side to set the color.

    6. Now, dress the baby in the wearable art, and notice the joy of an older sibling who is feeling just grand.

    Donna Erickson's award-winning television series, "Donna's Day," is airing on public television nationwide. Watch it in the Twin Cities at 7:30 a.m. Fridays on tptLife on channels 13 and 17. Sign up for Donna's e-newsletter at donnasday.com. Her latest book is "Donna Erickson's Fabulous Funstuff for Families."