Appropriate Books for Babies
Research shows that early experiences with books and stories are critically linked to a child’s success in learning to read.  Reading with your baby for just a few minutes each day is important.  Be sure to cuddle and make the experience a positive one – this will lead to your baby's future interest in learning to read on her own.

You can teach your baby how a book “works” by showing where the book begins and moving your finger left to right as you read.  Your baby may seem more interested in your face or prefer to crawl around rather than sit still, which is discouraging to many parents.  Giving your baby a toy to hold may help her stay put and prevent her from grabbing the book while you are reading.

Babies see books as toys and will chew, throw and drool upon them.  This helps them feel more comfortable with books.  To prevent damage, give babies and toddlers “board books,” which are made of stiff, thick cardboard pages that can’t be torn. 

Not every board book title is appropriate for babies.  Look for these qualities in a board book:

• Laminated pages with rounded edges
• Appropriately sized (not too big for little hands)
• One or very few words per page
• Large, simple illustrations with bright colors.  For babies 0-3 months, books with high contrast such as Black on White / White on Black  by Tana Hoban are best
• Appropriate subject matter with familiar items such as balls or bottles.  Babies also like pictures of other babies!
• Other options include cloth books that can be washed, vinyl books that can go into the tub, or small photo albums that have pictures of family or familiar objects and pets

Remember, young children learn best with repetition.  Reread favorite books to your baby over again and again.  ​​​