need help now?
en español
go back to the first page

Choosing Books for Your Child: Infants 0-12 months

Source: one tough job

Tips for choosing age-appropriate books for your child

  • Since your baby’s vision is fuzzy choose books that have large simple black and white images or pictures in bright colors set against a contrasting background.
  • Books should be durable! Pick books made of stiff cardboard, cloth, or soft vinyl, so they are water-proof, tear-resistant, and chew-proof.
  • Stimulate your baby’s senses by choosing tactile books that have different textures, scents, and sounds.
  • Wordless picture books filled with new and familiar objects will give your baby something to look at.
  • Oral language is important for early literacy; books with a single word and a corresponding picture will expose her to sounds and help her learn that pictures have meanings.
  • When choosing a book with words, simple sentences, like nursery rhymes, are best

Reading tip! It takes several months for your baby’s visual system to fully develop, during that time it is best to keep books 8-10 inches away because she can’t fully focus on images further or closer than that.

  • Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt
  • Belly Button Book by Sandy Boynton
  • Red, Blue, Yellow Shoe by Tana Hoban
  • Fuzzy Bee and Friends by Roger Priddy
  • Hip Hop by Catherine Hnatov
  • Baby Says by John Steptoe
  • Animal Kisses by Barney Saltzberg

other articles and videos we love

25 Best Kid Books of All-Time

Source: childrensbooksguide.com

These books are popular for one reason, kids love them! Check out this list for more ideas on what to read to your young child.

read more

similar posts from one tough job

resources for massachusetts parents

Find parenting support organizations and programs near you!

need help now?

stay in the loop

Get our most current parenting tips, advice, and resources delivered to you.

sign up for our emails

latest tweets

follow us on Twitter
Trail mix is a winner with both kids and parents: it's delicious, easy to make, and portable for all of your outdoo… https://t.co/EFxquBLded
about 1 hour ago
Finding a chore your child loves to do can start a habit of wanting to help out that'll last a lifetime. Check out… https://t.co/EV5OxZRPR7
about 21 hours ago
Children like adventure, but they also need stability and reassurance. Moving even a short distance can mean a grea… https://t.co/TLmjRYUytD
1 day ago
Children's Trust - Strengthening Families

www.childrenstrustma.org