New Parents are Looking for the Best Baby Books
I know that you want nothing but the best for your little one, and that includes the books you read to them.
In this post, I will be sharing my top book recommendations, guiding you on what to look for when choosing a book and offering tips on making storytime an enriching experience for both you and your baby.
As someone who has been working in early childhood for over 10 years and a mom of 2, I know the importance of reading to young children and the impact it can have.
So let’s start with that!
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Benefits of Reading to Young Children
There are so many good reasons to take time to read with your baby, it is a delightful activity that stimulates your child’s language skills, cognitive skills, and motor development.
The rhythmic flow of language, colorful illustrations, and varied patterns in children’s books stimulate your little one’s brain, laying the groundwork for future reading and writing skills.
It’s not just about the words; turning the pages and holding the books helps develop fine motor skills too.
But beyond these intellectual benefits, reading time is also a precious bonding moment. As you cuddle up with your baby and dive into the world of stories, you create a warm, loving environment.
Your little one is interested in and finds comfort just by listening to the sound of your voice.
This special time together, filled with shared smiles, laughter, and surprises encountered on the pages, strengthens your emotional bond.
It becomes a comforting ritual that your child looks forward to, associating it with feelings of security and love.
Best Time to Read to Your Baby
When it comes to choosing the best time to read to your baby, it’s all about finding a routine that works for both of you.
Integrating reading into your daily routines can make it a habit and something your child will come to look forward to.
For example, a bedtime story can be ideal at the end of the day right after pajama time.
It can help your baby wind down after a busy day and set the stage for a good night’s sleep.
Similarly, starting the day with a story upon waking can be a delightful way to transition into the day’s activities.
Another great opportunity is right after a diaper change when your baby is clean, happy, and ready for interaction.
Even during tummy time, a book can serve as an entertaining distraction, making this important exercise more enjoyable for your baby.
It is a good idea to choose a time that you can be consistent with so that it fits smoothly into your schedule and can be repeated every day.
What makes a great picture book for babies?
When it comes to choosing a great picture book for babies, the illustrations play a significant role.
Considering that babies are visual learners, vibrant and colorful pictures not only catch their attention but also stimulate their growing brains.
These beautiful illustrations serve as an introduction to the world around them, helping babies associate words with images, thereby enhancing their comprehension and vocabulary.
An interactive book is another wonderful choice.
A flap book (like this) can turn the reading experience into an exciting exploration for little hands.
Board books that have lots of different textures throughout the pages (here is an example) are also a great option.
This sensory play aids in the development of fine motor skills, engaging babies on multiple levels and making the learning process more enjoyable.
Plus, the element of surprise or discovery that comes with interactive books can make reading more fun and engaging for your child.
So, when choosing a book for your baby, look for one with captivating illustrations and interactive elements.
This combination will not only entertain your baby but also support their overall development.
I highly recommend taking a trip to your local library and asking the children’s librarian for recommendations as well.
High Contrast Children’s Books are Great for a Brand New Baby
High-contrast books, especially those featuring images in black, white, and red, are the perfect book for newborns.
At this early stage, a baby’s vision is still developing, and they have a distinct preference for stark contrasts rather than detailed patterns or a wide array of colors.
Thus, these books not only captivate your baby’s interest but also provide an opportunity to stimulate and enhance their visual perception.
Investing in high contrast books is a smart move, as they will support your newborn’s visual development while offering an engaging introduction to the world of reading and learning.
There are lots of short board books that have black and white patterns within them (like these) that your little one will love.
Soft Cloth Books: A Tactile Exploration for Babies
Soft cloth books offer a unique sensory experience for babies, blending the joy of reading with the exploration of different textures.
These books are perfect for tiny hands to hold and explore, and they are often filled with crinkly material, satin ribbons, or a variety of textured patches that create a tactile feast for inquisitive fingers.
The sensory stimulation provided by cloth books (like this one) not only keeps babies entertained but also supports their cognitive development, motor skills, and understanding of cause and effect.
Furthermore, cloth books are notably durable and safe.
They are perfect for teething babies, as they can withstand chewing, pulling, and rough handling in a way that traditional board books cannot.
Plus, they are often machine-washable, making them easy to clean if they become a favorite chew toy.
Last but not least, these books are lightweight and portable, making them an excellent choice for on-the-go storytimes, be it at the park, the doctor’s office, or during travel.
So, when you’re considering adding to your baby’s mini library, don’t underestimate the value of soft cloth books.
They are a wonderful tool for babies to learn, explore, and enjoy.
Baby Board Books are Perfect for Little Hands
Board books with simple stories and bold illustrations are an excellent choice for babies.
They provide a gentle introduction to the world of narrative, helping to lay the foundations for a lifetime love of reading.
Simple stories are easy for little ones to follow, and they often involve repetition which can be comforting and encouraging for children learning new words.
These stories can also help to spark a baby’s imagination and curiosity, enhancing their cognitive development.
There are lots of fun topics from farm animals to dinosaurs that your child will enjoy even as they get a little bit older.
The sturdy pages of board books are perfect for little hands to turn and explore, adding a tactile element to the reading experience.
It’s a joy to watch babies’ faces light up as they start to recognize and anticipate familiar stories.
Remember, the goal is to make reading an enjoyable habit, and simple, charming stories are a wonderful way to achieve this.
Classic Books for Your Baby’s Library
I still remember the very first book that I read to my son that became the highlight of tummy time for him.
His eyes would light up and he would start moving around.
As he got older he would point at the pictures he loved so much and before I knew it he had it memorized in the toddler years and could pretty much “read” it himself.
It was “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see?”
You can check out this classic baby book HERE.
Eric Carle stores have always been a hit at my house with the colorful illustrations, repetitive text, and fun stories.
“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” was another favorite at our house as well (you can see it here.)
“Goodnight Moon” is an absolute treasure when it comes to bedtime stories for babies.
This classic story, written by Margaret Wise Brown, is a wonderful way to gently lull your little one to sleep.
The rhythmic cadence of the text and the calming illustrations create a peaceful reading experience.
As the story progresses, it takes the reader through a soothing routine of saying goodnight to everything around – from the moon to the kittens, and even to the mittens.
Babies are drawn to the repetition and familiarity, which creates a sense of security and comfort, making it easier for them to drift off to sleep.
The warm, harmonious illustrations add an extra layer of tranquility, making “Goodnight Moon” a perfect selection for a peaceful, dream-filled slumber.
You can check out this beloved classic HERE.
Favorite Books about Animals
Books about animals hold a special charm for babies.
They are a delightful way to introduce little ones to the diverse world of wildlife while stimulating their curiosity and sense of discovery.
Engaging visuals of animals, coupled with simple, rhythmic texts, can captivate babies’ attention, enhancing their learning experience.
Animal books often incorporate sounds, such as the roar of a lion or the chirp of a bird, which can be a fun and interactive way to engage with your baby during storytime.
These are some of my favorite books for babies that showcase animals:
Top Tips for Reading to Your Baby
Reading to your baby is a fantastic way to bond, stimulate their cognitive development, and set the groundwork for a lifelong love for books. Here are some tips you can follow:
Follow Your Baby’s Lead: Babies, despite their tender age, manifest clear signals about their likes and dislikes. Watch their cues. If your baby shows interest in a particular book or page, don’t rush to turn the page. Allow them to explore and absorb at their own pace. Their enthusiasm is a positive sign of their engagement and curiosity.
Choose Developmentally Appropriate Books: Select books that are appropriate for your baby’s developmental stage. For newborns, high-contrast black and white books are great. As they grow, select books with bold, colorful images, and simple stories. Books with textures and sounds can also be a hit, adding tactile and auditory dimensions to the reading experience.
Allow Independent Exploration: Make sure you also allow time for your baby to explore books independently. This will enable them to build an intimate relationship with books, fostering independence and confidence. Always ensure that books are within their reach and create a cozy reading nook for them to enjoy their reading time.
Include Interactive Elements: Choose books with interactive elements such as lift-a-flap, peek-a-boo cutouts, or touch-and-feel textures. These features encourage baby to interact with the book, enhancing their motor skills and cognitive development.
Remember, it’s not about reading the book from cover to cover. It’s about creating an enjoyable and engaging experience using the book as a platform for interaction, communication, and learning.
Enjoy Story Time during Baby’s First Year
Choosing the right books for your baby is an exciting journey, offering a world of opportunities for bonding, learning, and enjoyment.
With a treasure trove of captivating stories, colorful illustrations, and interactive elements, baby books provide a rich canvas for your little one’s imagination and curiosity.
Whether it’s an endearing bedtime story, a vivid animal book, or a sturdy board book, the right selection can spark a love for reading that lasts a lifetime.
By following your baby’s lead, choosing developmentally appropriate books, allowing independent exploration, and including interactive elements, you can make reading an engaging and rewarding experience.
Remember, the goal is not just literacy—it’s about nurturing an enduring love for books, sparking curiosity, and creating cherished memories along the way.
So, start this beautiful journey today, one book at a time, and watch as your little one embarks on countless adventures, one page at a time.
Grab your FREE Milestone Guide HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What books should I read to my newborn?
For newborns, high-contrast black and white books are a great choice. Babies are drawn to these simple designs, helping them develop their vision and focus.
At what age should you start reading to a baby?
You can start reading to your baby as soon as you bring them home. Even newborns enjoy being read to, so don’t wait until they show signs of understanding or talking. Reading aloud is a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your little one right from the start.
How many books should I read to my baby a day?
I would recommend reading at least one book to your baby a day. This helps them develop an interest in books and encourages language development. Reading more than one book is also beneficial, especially if you incorporate interactive elements such as lift-a-flap, peek-a-boo cutouts, or touch-and-feel textures into the experience.
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Kayla O’Neill has a master’s degree in education as well as a bachelor’s degree in special education with an emphasis in early childhood education. She has been working as a developmental therapist with babies and toddlers in early intervention since 2012. She is also a mom with two young children.