The first year of a baby’s life is a time when they are developing senses, movement and language. Reading developmentally appropriate books with your baby will help support their growth. My background as a pediatric RN has helped me compile this list of board books that your baby will enjoy with each milestone.
(You can always find these books at your local library for free. However, if you choose to purchase them, you can support your local bookstores (and this blog) from the affiliate links below.)
High Contrast
For the first couple months, babies can only see things within close range and cannot see full color. So high-contrast black and white patterns are good for them to focus their eyes on. This high-contrast book is a great book has a beautiful love poem to read to your baby.
Faces
Because babies can only see things up close, faces, especially yours, are the most intriguing! Over the first 3 months, they start trying to copy facial movements. This board book is great because of the realistic photos that helps expose your baby to the types of emotions each facial expression communicates.
Rhymes
As your baby grows they will start to make vocal noises and try to mimic the sounds they hear. Rhymes are great for helping young children to recognize the sounds in words. This particular book is a popular one. It also includes many of the “p,” “b,” and “m” sounds, which are typically the first sounds babies can make.
Tactile
Around 3 months, babies start exploring their world with their hands. This is a great touch and feel story board book that has a variety of tactile materials (not just plastic) for your baby to explore.
Colors
Between 3-7 months your baby will start to see colors. This book is available as a board book that is great for showing vivid photos in a variety of beautiful colors.
Object Permanence
Object permanence, the understanding that things still exist even if they cannot be seen, develops around 4-7 months. This is why the peek-a-boo game is so much fun for babies! Your baby with love this sturdy peek-a-boo book!
Gestures
Around 6-12 months, your baby will start to model gestures and can follow simple instructions. This visually appealing book by Jane Cabrera is based on the song, “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” This song is great for practicing clapping, stomping, and other movements that is perfect for this age group.
Building Vocabulary
As your baby nears 12 months, they will be able to recognize objects and can understand frequently used words. This book is great for exposing them to common objects they see in their environment, and helps build their vocabulary.
Parts of the Body
As your baby grows they discover more and more about their body and how it moves. This is a great book not only for babies, but for toddlers learning the names of the parts of the body. This book is worth buying because it will be appealing to your child up until the kindergarten years.
More books to check out!
