Hello Papas! You probably and very well know that reading to your baby is important. But with so many books out there, how do you choose? Not to worry – I’ve got you covered with the top 5 types of books that are perfect for your little bookworm-in-training!
Board Books with Simple, Colorful Pictures
When it comes to books for newborns, you can’t go wrong with classic board books. These sturdy little page-turners are built to withstand even the most enthusiastic baby hands.
The best board books have bright, high-contrast pictures and simple designs that are super appealing to young babies. Newborns are drawn to bold, colorful images, and the basic layouts make it easy for them to focus.
Some of my favorite board book picks for newborns are “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown and “Dear Zoo” by Rod Campbell. These timeless tales are sure to captivate your little one!
Books Featuring Faces and Familiar Objects
Babies are fascinated by faces, especially the faces of other babies. That’s why books with lots of baby photos are a slam dunk for newborns.
In addition to faces, look for books that showcase everyday objects your baby will recognize from their world. Seeing familiar items like bottles, toys, and clothing helps your little one make connections between the pictures and real life.
Check out the “Baby Faces” series by DK or “First 100 Words” by Roger Priddy for some great options in this category. Your baby will love looking at the friendly faces and commonplace objects!
Rhyming and Sing-Song Stories
There’s a reason nursery rhymes have been around forever – babies adore the rhythmic, repetitive language. Reading rhyming books with a sing-song cadence is not only fun, but it also helps your baby start to pick up on the sounds and patterns of language.
Mother Goose collections and Dr. Seuss books like “The Cat in the Hat” are perfect for reading aloud to your newborn. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself bobbing along to the beat!
Tactile and Interactive Books
Babies learn by exploring with all their senses, so books that encourage touching and interacting are a great choice. Tactile elements like fuzzy patches, crinkly pages, and flaps to lift add an exciting dimension to storytime.
Some classic interactive books for babies are “Pat the Bunny” by Dorothy Kunhardt and “Where Is Baby’s Belly Button?” by Karen Katz. Your little one will love feeling the different textures and peeking under the flaps to discover surprises!
Personalized Photo Albums and Family Books
Last but not least, don’t underestimate the power of a homemade book all about your baby’s world. Snapshots of your newborn with their family, pets, and favorite toys are absolutely riveting to them.
Creating a simple photo album or a custom board book featuring your baby’s daily life is a wonderful way to make storytime even more meaningful. Plus, looking at pictures of their loved ones will help your little one bond with the important people in their life.
The Bottom Line on Books for Newborns
At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you’re reading to your baby and sharing special time together. Your newborn will soak up the snuggles and the sound of your voice, no matter what the book is about.
Choose books that you genuinely enjoy, because your baby will pick up on your engagement and enthusiasm. Reading should be a fun, pressure-free experience for both of you.
So grab a colorful board book, snuggle up with your sweet babe, and dive in! You’re giving your newborn an incredible gift by fostering a love of books right from the very beginning.