These are the best baby books – all board books that are beloved by moms and babies alike. They’re perfect for babies during their first year but can also be used by older babies and young toddlers.
Because they’re board books these options are durable and engaging. Some even have flaps to peek under and sound affects. These best baby books range from classic to educational to hilarious (Jimmy’s Fallon’s board book is a favorite)!
Here’s a visual of all the books (in the order they’re shown below) and keep scrolling for the list that goes through each one:
The Best Baby Books: Board Books for The First Year and Beyond
1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar
A worldwide classic, this book is full of fun illustrations and items to look at.
2. Baby Touch and Feel: Animals
The ‘touch and feel’ textures of this book let babies pet the animals they see on the page. Watch and smile as they pet puppies, kittens, bunnies and more.
3. Little Blue Truck
A charming story with a meaningful lesson about friendship and helping others. This book will get read again and again as the pages are full of animal and truck noises as well.
4. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Bold images and rhythmic text make this classic board book a must-have for any nursery.
5. Your Baby’s First Word will be DADA
A cute book written by Jimmy Fallon that’s goal is to get your baby to say DADA! 🙂
6. If Animals Kissed Goodnight
An endearing bedtime book that teaches how each animal sounds as they kiss each other goodnight.
7. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Another classic! This is a catchy book that goes through the letters of the alphabet.
8. Goodnight Moon
Beloved by generations, Goodnight Moon is a soothing read that’s perfect to cuddle up with before bedtime.
9. Dear Zoo
You can’t go wrong with this book that’s full of animals hiding under flaps! Lift each flap and discover a new animal.
10. I’ve Loved You Since Forever
A beautiful book celebrating the love between parent and child. Heartfelt and emotional.
11. First 100 Words
This book will get read again & again! Ideal for ages 2 & up but you can start introducing it to your baby sooner as well.
12. Where’s Spot?
A must-have book full of fun flaps and animals.
13. My Big Animal Book
A large, engaging board book full of photos of animals.
14. Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site
A cute book that imagines bedtime for construction trucks. If you have a baby that loves trucks, this is a must-have.
15. Babies in the Forest
A sweet lift-the-flap book full of baby animals in the forest.
16. ABC & Numbers First Words
Colorful, engaging and educational – this is the ultimate book for early learning. Sturdy enough to last from the baby to toddler years.
17. Hello, World! Solar System
Incredible illustrations accompany this book for little space enthusiasts.
18. Giraffes Can’t Dance
This story of a giraffes who wants to dance has a deeper meaning about dreaming big and what we’re capable of.
19. Every Little Thing
Written by Bob Marley’s daughter, this is a lyrical book that carries messages of love, peace and harmony.
20. Noisy Farm
This book is endless entertainment for babies: they can see, hear, and feel the animals on the farm!
The Benefits of Reading: Why These Best Baby Books Are Good for Babies
Whether you’re shopping for a baby shower or for your own little bundle of joy, books are always a good choice. Here’s a few benefits of reading with your baby, even if they’re too young to understand all of the words in a book:
- Reading is a 1:1 bonding time for babies
- It begins to teach them about complex subjects like emotions, relationships and cause & effect
- Books are a way to teach babies about the world around them in a relatable way
- It’s a way to engage with your baby: lifting flaps and responding to the words or emotions in these books encourages early communication with baby
More Newborn Essentials:
And if you’re shopping for a new baby and need a few more ideas, check out this list of Newborn Essentials for First Time Moms.
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