Best books for babies 0-12 months

It is never too early to introduce books to babies. Ancient Garba Sanskar believes in “education in the womb” for a baby’s mental and behavioral development. It is also a way of bonding with child way before birth. The baby would listen to the parent’s and caregiver’s voices and recognize them. After birth, it’s seen how babies respond to a particular voice of the mother.

But unfortunately, many parents pause reading books to newborns assuming they can’t understand books. Well, there is good news for them. Books for kids are there for all age groups including newborns, toddlers, and preschoolers. One just needs to get the right age-appropriate ones. Now, collect the right ones and cuddle your baby. This is a great start to associate them with the joy of reading for lifelong.

Why should you read books to babies?

You might be wondering, reading books to toddlers and preschoolers makes sense, but does a baby understand.

A baby, newborn or infant would not understand everything we do. Remember they often cry loudly while you change their soiled diapers. Naturally, they don’t realize the reason of a parent’s action.

Reading aloud is a delightful experience for both parents and babies. It becomes a base for years to come. Of course studies do reveal the magnificent impact on baby’s brain.

The ritual of book reading aloud has an important role in baby’s development

• encourages babies to communicate. Vocabulary grows with pages. The more they hear, the more they talk.
• introduces to new concepts of colors, shapes, numbers, letters.
• instigate a curiosity about the world around them.
• promotes listening skills, and memory.

Before we find out the best books for the baby’s first year, let’s rethink our reading skills. If we as a parent are going to read the book to baby like an office presentation, it might not work.

How to read to babies?

Reading aloud and keeping them enchanted with the book might be a learning curve for many.

While reading a book to baby remember to

• use your voice modulations and expressive face.
• look at your baby and point the pictures while naming it.
• ask questions and reply with the baby.
• encourage baby to mimic your sound.

These pointers help babies to recognize picture, learn words, etc. All nurturing in baby’s social and emotional development as well as thinking skills.

Know by heart, your baby loves your voice and connect with you, as you read aloud for them.

How to choose the right books?

Babies put everything in their mouths right away, don’t they? So choosing the right books for them is essential.

The books for babies should be

• sturdy, preferable cloth or vinyl during initial months, board books
• age-appropriate, bright-colored, repetitive words
• attractive enough to hold their attention.

Related – Types of books for babies and toddlers

Best books for babies 0-12 months

Black & White by Tana Hoban

Science states that a baby’s color perception is limited to contrasting colors. So, get this one with bold yet simple illustrations. Let the child explore this one during tummy time.

Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt

A cute book perfect for little explorers. This is a classic one loved for years worldwide. It has a nice touch and feel pages that encourage children.

Farm Hullaballoo by Ladybird

The sound books are loved ones for infants. They get attracted by a sound like no other. This book is a good way to introduce farm animals and their sound.

Dear zoo by Rod Campbell

Babies love animals and this book is a gem. A child desires a pet and writes to a zoo. The zoo sends a series of ineligible pets. The infant reader would love to lift the flap and find the animals.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Another classic book on the list. The book states about the bedtime ritual of a little bunny saying goodnight to things around him. This one is void of any story yet is one of the most loved bedtime books.

Very Hungry Caterpillar Finger Puppet Book by Eric Carle

The finger puppet book is endearing for infants. The book is about a caterpillar growing into a butterfly. With a puppet, it adds life to the bestselling book.

However, the story is not complete as compared to paperbacks. So, you can also opt for hole books. They are equally engaging and loved.

My First I See You: A Mirror Book by Eric Carle

Mirrors attract children. They assume there is another baby enacting them. A mirror book encourages to interact. Also, this a fun book written in rhymes.

My First Library by Wonder house

A set of books that covers all needful things for years together. Get this for infants to introduce them to books, concepts and use them till they join preschool.

Whoo’s there? by Heather Zschock

This one is another gem and would be a treasure for long. Snuggle with your baby and shine the beam through this shadow books. An assuring bedtime book with lyrical rhymes.

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

The list of best books would be incomplete without this lovely storybook by Julia Donaldson. The story is catchy, funny and beautifully illustrated. A must-have in your little one’s library.

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