Choosing Books for Your Baby and Toddler
Start your baby’s library off right.
Every parent knows that reading with children is crucial for their development, but how do you choose which books are right for your child? Below are some age-based tips for selecting your baby's first books. As she grows, you can tailor your choices to match her interests. Aim to read at least a book a day.
For Newborns: Seeing Things in Black and White
If you are just starting your baby's bookshelf, it's important to remember that the act of reading is just as meaningful as whatever books you choose. In addition to the warmth of a comfortable lap and the sound of a favorite voice, certain visuals and text hold the attention of newborns:
High-contrast Images
Newborns' eyesight is a work in progress. In fact, they see best from a distance of approximately one foot. So simple, bold images hold the most appeal. Look for patterns (stripes, polka dots, checkers) and black-and-white illustrations or photos, with minimal text or even no words at all.
Babies also love to look at the human face. Two titles to try are Baby Faces: Smile! and Baby Faces: Peek-a-Boo!, both of which feature visually stimulating photos of infants.
Rhyming Text
Just by listening to your voice, newborns gain invaluable language lessons. When you read a book with basic rhymes, your infant will relish the soothing, reliable rhythm, much like the sound of your heartbeat. Start with a classic, such as The Real Mother Goose Board Book by Blanche Fisher Wright, which offers the traditional rhymes, riddles, songs, and stories you enjoyed as a child.
For Older Babies: Never Bored With Boards
By the second half of the first year, babies begin to participate actively in the reading process — first by chewing, later by pointing and babbling. Choose books to satisfy a seemingly endless amount of curiosity. Expose your child to the world through bright pictures of interesting objects. Challenge little hands with lift-the-flap and touch-and-feel titles. Just make sure you choose well these books will take a beating!
Board Books
These short, simple books are made of laminated cardboard pages. They should be sturdy, with rounded edges, because your baby most likely will chew them, pull them, and even toss them. After all, at this age, books seem much more like toys than treasured heirlooms.
Select books with your child's favorite objects — is it a ball? A banana? Or maybe a favorite character like Barney or Clifford? Look for simple text (one word per page is fine) and big, uncluttered illustrations or photos that feature babies, toys, or animals. One popular collection is the What-a-Baby Board Books, featuring infants engaged in everyday activities.
Activity Books
Play peek-a-boo. Search for hidden surprises. Touch something soft and furry. From pop-up to lift-the-flap to bath and more, activity books encourage exploration. Part book, part toy, these titles let kids learn by doing. Start with the tried-and-true Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt, then move on to the yummy Cheerios Counting Book: 1, 2, 3, written by Barbara Barbieri McGrath and illustrated by Frank Mazzola, Jr., and Robert C. Bolster.
And don't forget to include a few vinyl bath books in your collection. Your captive audience will appreciate learning that it's okay to read anywhere, even in the tub.
For Toddlers: Picture This
The world of toddlers is a busy one. And even though they're frequently on the move, toddlers need books as much as babies do. Resist the urge to quiz your child on letters, colors, or numbers. Instead, choose picture books that introduce basic themes and invite conversation.
Picture Books
From stunning Caldecott Medal winners to dime-store classics, picture books provide more elaborate plots and illustrations than board books do. Subjects range from ABCs to animals, feelings to favorite characters. Look for large, colorful pictures and simple story lines or rhymes, such as those found in the exuberant Calling All Toddlers, written by Francesca Simon and illustrated by Susan Winter.
Bedtime Books
You have probably already added a few bedtime books to your library, but toddlers need these books more than ever. Reading a book with mom or dad before bed can serve as a great wind-down for active toddlers. Looking to go beyond Goodnight Moon? Try Pajama Time! by Sandra Boynton or How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?, written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Mark Teague.
