Best Books for Babies: Classic Board Books for Baby, ages 0-3

 Introducing books and reading to infants is a wonderful way to bond with baby while encouraging language development and a love for reading. Books for babies don’t have to be expensive or fancy. Simple board books that can withstand rough handling, sticky fingers and teething babies are ideal for the tiny reader. Here are some of the best classic board books for babies, ages 0-3.

 This classic bedtime book for babies and toddlers is a favorite with many young children, including my own daughter. Beautiful illustrations by Clement Hurd and simple yet lovely words are perfect for guiding your little one to Dreamland, every night. It is a short, sweet book in poem-style, featuring an adorable little rabbit who wishes “good night” to everything and everyone. The book is a must-have for every baby’s first library.

 A touch and feel book, this simple, sweet book was probably the first interactive book for children. First published in 1940, the book has things to touch, see, move and find. Pastel colors, line drawings and easy-to-understand words make this book a favorite for young readers. This is a book that will soothe and delight your baby and remain a part of her library for many years to come.

Eric Carle’s lovable classic has been popular ever since it was first published and is a favorite with babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Not only is it easy to read, fun to hold and see, it also teaches toddlers the days of the week. So on Monday, the caterpillar eats something, on Tuesday, a different thing and so on. Babies love the colorful illustration and the durable hardback allows them to gum it and hold it easily. The rhythm, words and illustrations make it perfect for babies while the art gimmick of die cut holes through the food pictures and the lesson of the story are ideal for toddlers and preschoolers. In other words, this children’s book is a must- buy for baby’s first library.

If your baby, like mine, loves to read books with the word ‘love’ in it, this one will be a favorite in next to no time. This board book is interactive with its pop-ups and slide-along tabs and charming in its simplicity. Featuring a lovable little Nutbrown Hare and a loving Big Nutbrown Hare, the book is a bedtime favorite with many.

The sweet, touching tale moves along as the little hare tries to describe how much he loves his papa in order to stave off bedtime a little while longer, only to be gently upped by his indulgent father. Except in the end, when Papa Hare whispers that he loves him to the moon and back after Baby Hare has fallen asleep. Babies love the soothing illustrations, the gentle words and listening to the adorable expressions of love.

This is one of those books that you’ll want to snuggle up with when your baby is a toddler, a preschooler or even, a tween!

This one is not so much of a classic as a modern-day baby favorite. The amusing illustrations, giggle-inducing lines and simple words, make this a book a real entertainer. Your little one will enjoy sitting on your knee and looking at the expressive drawings, listening to the cows, pigs and ducks or simply, enjoying simplicity of the words. Short, sweet and simple, this is a wonderful board book for babies and toddlers.

 Books for babies and toddlers are not just reading material. Books help kids to learn healthy habits, skills like potty training, anger management and can also, encourage preschoolers to learn green and eco-friendly habits or give up their pacifier. Introducing books to babies is a wonderfully simple and entertaining way of bonding, developing a good habit and encouraging language development. Do check out the resources at the side to learn more about books, babies and toddlers.