Best Baby Books: The Ultimate Guide to the Top Picks
Looking for the best baby books to add to your little one’s growing library?
There’s something so special about the magic of a book – especially for a little one. It can take you anywhere in the globe and beyond. It opens your eyes and world to new possibilities.
Books are one of my favorite baby shower gifts to offer a new mom.
As a mom of 4, our shelves are bursting with them.
Whether you’re looking for colorful illustrations, rhythmic stories, or books that spark curiosity, we’ve got you covered!
Reading to your baby from an early age helps with language development, bonding, and setting the stage for a love of books that will last a lifetime.
So, grab a cozy spot, and let’s dive into some of the most beloved and best baby books out there.
Choosing the Right Board Books for Young Baby
- Look for board books with simple, colorful illustrations and engaging textures.
- Consider books focusing on baby’s first words, such as “Baby’s First Words” by Roger Priddy.
- Choose books with sturdy pages that can withstand little hands.
- Consider including a baby book in baby shower invitations instead of traditional cards to help build the baby’s library. I’ve been to plenty of baby showers lately where they ask you to bring your favorite book.
- Check out Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for free books every 1-2 months. We signed my youngest up for this the minute it became available in Kentucky and she LOVES getting a new book in the mail each month.
- Visit your local library or bookstore to explore a variety of baby books.
Photo: Izabelly Marques
Board Books for Little Hands
Board books are a fantastic choice for very young children.
They’re durable and have easy-to-clean pages. These books are designed to withstand the enthusiastic little hands, making them perfect for babies just beginning to explore the world around them. Some popular board books for little hands include:
- “Goodnight Little [Child’s Name]” – This customizable book is a delightful way to make bedtime special. With beautiful pictures that incorporate your baby’s name into the illustrations, it’s a personalized touch that will make storytime even more magical.
- “All of Baby, Nose to Toes” by Victoria Adler, illustrated by Hiroe Nakata – This adorable book helps babies discover their body parts through the adventures of a cute, roly-poly baby. The simple text and charming illustrations make it a joy to read aloud.
- “Huggy Kissy” by Leslie Patricelli – This clever board book showcases different ways to show affection, from hugs to kisses. Its simple, engaging illustrations and text are perfect for very young children.
These board books are not only easy for little hands to hold but also great for tummy time. Placing these books in front of your baby can encourage them to reach out and explore, helping them learn about their bodies and the world around them.
Timeless Classics for Very Young Children
As I mentioned, books are one of my favorite favorite things to give at a baby shower. I also love to write something personalized in the front of it. Maybe a reason that I chose that book, our family’s memories with it, or why were so excited for the new baby to read it.
If you’re struggling with what to write in a book for a baby shower, that happens to be my most popular blog post yet so check it out and grab some inspiration!
- “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle is a classic choice for very young children.
- “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle is a fun and engaging read-aloud.
- “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown is a soothing bedtime story.
- “The Paper Bag Princess” by Robert Munsch is a delightful tale of bravery and kindness.
- “Curious George” by H.A. and Margret Rey is a fun and interactive series.
Photo: Iana Dmytrenko
Picture Books for Early Learning
One of my favorite things to do before buying a book for a baby is consider the uniqueness of the family. Is Dad a pilot? How about a book on flying? Does mom like to play tennis? Grab a book on that for baby. You can also consider the theme of the baby shower.
A little cutie baby shower theme might mean you get a book with an orange as a main character or maybe a teddy bear book for a We Can Bearly Wait baby shower.
- “Baby’s Belly Button” by Karen Katz is a sweet and engaging book about body awareness with fun illustrations that captivate young readers.
- “Green Sheep” by Mem Fox is a playful and imaginative story.
- “Peach Pear Plum” by Janet and Allan Ahlberg is a fun and interactive book about fruit.
- “Seuss Books” by Dr. Seuss are a great way to introduce your baby to the world of reading.
- “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats is a beautifully illustrated book about exploration.
Interactive and Fun Books for Playtime
Interactive and fun books are a wonderful way to engage your baby during playtime, helping them develop their motor skills and curiosity. These books often feature flaps, textures, and sounds that make reading a multi-sensory experience. Some popular interactive and fun books for playtime include:
- “FUN FLAPS: All About Me!” by DK – This book features big, sturdy flaps that are perfect for little hands to lift. It helps babies learn about their bodies in a fun and interactive way, making it a great addition to any baby’s library.
- “Noisy Babies” by Lauren Crisp – This touch-and-feel book introduces babies to familiar activities through engaging textures and sounds. It’s a delightful way for babies to explore and learn about their everyday world.
- “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Eats Breakfast” by Eric Carle – Featuring the beloved Very Hungry Caterpillar, this brightly illustrated board book takes babies through a fun breakfast adventure. The interactive elements make it a hit with very young children.
These interactive and fun books are perfect for playtime, encouraging babies to use their hands and fingers while learning about their bodies and the world around them. They provide a wonderful opportunity for parents to engage with their babies in a playful and educational way.
Photo: Jonathon Borba
Children’s Books for Emotional Intelligence and Life Lessons
One of my favorite things to do after baby is born is host a sip and see party for the new mom and friends. That’s where everyone gets to sip fun drinks and see the new baby.
Hosting a shower before the little one comes can be hectic and stressful. If you wait until after the baby comes and everyone is settled, the new family can bring the baby along to the gathering and everyone gets to meet him or her! Plus we all just want to hold that baby anyway, right?
- Children’s books like “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein offer heartwarming stories about friendship and giving.
- “Corduroy” by Don Freeman is a sweet tale about perseverance and friendship.
- “Llama Llama Red Pajama” by Anna Dewdney is a soothing story about overcoming fears.
- “The Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister is a beautifully illustrated book about sharing and kindness.
- “Have You Filled a Bucket Today?” by Carol McCloud is a great way to introduce your baby to the concept of kindness.
Photo: Brina Blum
Nighttime Books for a Soothing Bedtime Routine/
Creating a nighttime routine is key for getting baby to sleep and stay asleep. That’s key, right? I have 4 incredible sleepers and they always have been since they were little. I swear by this book 12 Hours Sleep by 12 Weeks Old. In fact, it’s my go-to gift for a baby shower or new mom. Highly recommend.
- “Goodnight Gorilla” by Peggy Rathmann is a fun and soothing bedtime story.
- “The Going to Bed Book” by Sandra Boynton is a playful and engaging book about bedtime routines.
- “Time for Bed” by Mem Fox is a beautifully illustrated book about how animals sleep.
- “The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep” by Carl-Johan Forssén Ehrlin is a clever book about overcoming bedtime struggles.
- “Llama Llama Nighty-Night” by Anna Dewdney is a soothing story about bedtime routines.
Photo: Melanie Medina
Personalized Books for a Special Touch
I still have a personalized book my parents got me when I was little. Those personalized ones can be extra special.
- “Goodnight Little [Child’s Name]” by Caroline Jayne Church is a sweet and personalized bedtime story.
- “The Adventures of [Child’s Name]” by ISeeMe is a fun and interactive personalized book.
- “My Very Own Name” by Maia Haag is a beautifully illustrated personalized book about self-discovery.
- “The Story of [Child’s Name]” by Put Me In The Story is a heartwarming personalized book about your child’s story.
- “I Love You, [Child’s Name]” by Personalization Mall is a sweet and personalized book about love and affection.
Photo: Samantha Sophia
Photo: Josh Applegate
Tips for Reading with Your Baby
- Start reading to your baby from birth to encourage a love of reading.
- Choose books with simple, colorful illustrations and engaging textures.
- Read aloud with expression and enthusiasm to bring the story to life.
- Encourage your baby to point to and identify objects in the book.
- Make reading a special and cozy time with your baby.
Photo: Nappy
Story Collections
One of our favorite book gifts to us when my son was little is the Mother Goose Collection of Nursery Rhymes. These classic story collections include vintage nursery rhymes and poetry every child should know.
Books With Life Lessons
Even though baby is small, it’s never too early to start the foundation for imparting important life lessons.
- The Giving Tree (a classic story about the gift of giving)
- Cuddle Bear (sweet story about kindness)
- Be Brave Little One (a great way to encourage bravery in an age-appropriate way)
- The Wonderful Things You Will Be
Classic and Timeless Books
These have remained popular through multiple generations
- Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
A beautifully illustrated story that takes babies on an imaginative journey, with themes of adventure and the comfort of home. - The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown
A heartwarming tale of a mother bunny’s unconditional love for her little one, paired with tender illustrations. - The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
A beautifully illustrated book about a young boy’s adventures in the snow, capturing the magic of a winter day in a city.
Creating a Home Library for Your Baby
- Start with a few board books and gradually add more as your baby grows.
- Choose books that are sturdy and easy to clean.
- Consider a bookshelf or bookcase with a soft cushion for a cozy reading nook.
- Make sure to include a variety of books, including classics, picture books, and interactive books. You can also sign up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to receive a free book every month for your child, which is a great way to nurture their love of reading.
- Encourage your baby to explore and engage with the books in their library.
Giving Books in a Unique Way
One of my favorite things to do is uniquely give a gift. If you’re giving books to new baby and mom, consider making a book bouquet. So instead of (or in addition to) flowers, you include a collection of classic books. Unique and special!
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Photo: Josh Applegate
FAQs about Reading to Little Ones
- Why is reading to my baby important? Reading to your baby helps with language development, improves listening skills, and strengthens your bond. It also encourages brain growth and introduces new concepts like colors, shapes, and sounds, lay the foundation for later learning.
- When should I start reading to my baby? You can start reading to your baby as early as birth! Even though they won’t understand the words at first, the rhythm and tone of your voice are comforting and help them get familiar with sounds, which is a crucial part of language development.
- How does reading to my baby help with brain development? Reading stimulates the brain by exposing your baby to new vocabulary, different sounds, and a variety of concepts. This early exposure helps build the neural connections needed for language, memory, and comprehension skills.
- What types of books are best for babies? For babies, look for books with simple, bold pictures, rhyming text, and textures to engage their senses. Board books and cloth books are perfect since they’re durable and safe for little hands to explore.
- Can reading to my baby improve our bond? Absolutely! Reading together is a special bonding activity. It creates moments of closeness, comfort, and connection, as your baby listens to your voice and shares in the experience of discovering new things.
Conclusion
Once your child gets older and knows the letters and the sounds they make, I highly recommend the book Teach Your Child to Read in 20 Minutes a Day. I have three excellent readers in my house and I credit a lot of that to this book giving them a strong foundation. I’m actually about to start it with my 5 year-old!
The key is to start reading! The more you read the better you get at it.
Whether you’re introducing little ones to their first words, animals, or bedtime routines, I hope these books we’ve talked about become favorites for years to come.
So go ahead, snuggle up with your baby, and start turning those pages – the adventure is just beginning!
Read more on the benefits of reading to babies here.
Photo: Annie Spratt
Hi I’m Erica! TV news anchor and mom to 4 littles. I’m obsessed with creating those “wow” moments in life through crafting at home, cool travel adventures and special celebrations with loved ones. Thanks for joining me on this adventure!
