As a parent, you want to give your child the best possible start in life. One way to do this is to read to your child from an early age. Reading to your child not only promotes language development, but it also strengthens your bond and provides a great opportunity for quality time together.
But with so many books to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this blog post, we’ll recommend the best baby books for every age and stage, so you can feel confident in your selection.
Newborns to 6 months
At this age, babies are attracted to high-contrast images and black and white patterns. They also love to hear the sound of your voice. Here are some great books to consider for this age group:
Black and White by Tana Hoban: This book features high-contrast images that are perfect for newborns. It’s a simple but engaging book that will capture your baby’s attention.
Look, Look! by Peter Linenthal: Another black and white book, this one features simple illustrations of animals and objects that are perfect for newborns to 3-month-olds.
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown: This classic book has been a favourite of parents and children for generations. It’s a calming bedtime story that features simple rhymes and repetition, making it perfect for newborns.
Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt: This interactive book features different textures and activities for your baby to explore. It’s a great way to engage your baby and promote sensory development.
6 to 12 months
At this age, your baby is starting to become more mobile and may be crawling or even walking. They’re also becoming more interested in exploring their surroundings. Here are some great books for this age group:
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle: This classic book features bright illustrations and a simple story that’s perfect for young children. It’s also a great way to teach your child about the lifecycle of a butterfly.
Where Is Baby’s Belly Button? by Karen Katz: This interactive book features flaps that your child can lift to reveal different body parts. It’s a fun way to teach your child about their own body.
Baby Faces by DK Publishing: This book features photographs of babies making different facial expressions. It’s a great way to teach your child about emotions and social cues.
Peek-a-Who? by Nina Laden: This book features different peek-a-boo style cutouts that your child can lift to reveal different animals. It’s a fun and interactive way to teach your child about different animals.
12 to 18 months
At this age, your child is starting to develop their own personality and may be starting to say a few words. They’re also becoming more interested in cause-and-effect relationships. Here are some great books for this age group:
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr: This classic book features simple rhymes and repetition that your child will love. It’s also a great way to teach your child about different animals and colors.
Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton: This book features different animal sounds that your child can mimic. It’s a fun way to teach your child about different animals and sounds.
The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper: This classic book teaches children about perseverance and the power of positive thinking. It’s a great way to teach your child about determination.
Press Here by Hervé Tullet: This interactive book features different instructions for your child to follow, such as “press here” or “shake the book”. It’s a fun and engaging way to teach your child about cause-and-effect.
18 to 24 months
At this age, your child is starting to become more independent and may be able to follow simple instructions. They’re also becoming more interested in imaginative play. Here are some great books for this age group:
The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss: This classic book features rhyming text and silly illustrations that your child will love. It’s also a great way to teach your child about the importance of following rules.
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson: This imaginative book follows a young boy named Harold as he creates his own world with his purple crayon. It’s a great way to encourage your child’s creativity.
Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle: This book features a friendly little blue truck who learns the importance of friendship and teamwork. It’s a great way to teach your child about social skills.
Corduroy by Don Freeman: This classic book follows a teddy bear named Corduroy as he goes on a search for his missing button. It’s a heartwarming story that teaches children about the value of friendship.
2 to 3 years
At this age, your child is becoming more interested in stories with longer plots and more complex characters. They’re also starting to ask more questions about the world around them. Here are some great books for this age group:
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein: This classic book tells the story of a tree who gives everything it has to a boy throughout his life. It’s a touching story that teaches children about the importance of giving.
The Very Best Daddy of All by Marion Dane Bauer: This book celebrates the bond between father and child. It’s a heartwarming story that will resonate with both children and parents.
Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel: This book follows the adventures of two best friends, Frog and Toad. It’s a great way to teach your child about the importance of friendship.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats: This classic book follows a young boy named Peter as he explores the snowy world around him. It’s a beautiful story that celebrates the wonder and excitement of childhood.
Reading to your child is one of the best ways to promote language development and strengthen your bond. By selecting books that are appropriate for your child’s age and stage, you can help foster their love of reading and set them up for a lifetime of learning.
From high-contrast books for newborns to complex stories for toddlers, there are countless books to choose from. The key is to select books that are engaging, age-appropriate, and enjoyable for both you and your child. By doing so, you can help create a lifelong love of reading in your child and set them on the path to success.
Looking for somewhere to buy these books? Check out this article highlighting 35 of the best Independent book shops in Ireland by county.
Want to learn more about your baby and top tips for parenting? Check out our other blog posts.