Baby Board Books for Your Home

Last Updated: January 30, 2024
Liesel Teen, RN-BSN

By Liesel Teen

BSN, RN, Practicing Labor and Delivery Nurse

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Let’s talk about baby board books!

Are you busy creating your baby registry and eagerly anticipating the arrival of your little one? Or maybe baby is here and you’re looking for some books they’ll love?

If yes, you’re in luck! Because in this blog post, we’ll be chatting about the absolute must-haves for your baby’s growing library: baby board books!

Books are fantastic for your baby’s development and also bring a whole lot of joy and snuggles to your home. So without further ado, let’s talk about books for your baby!

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Baby board books

When it comes to toys for your baby, don’t forget about board books! These sturdy little books are perfect for tiny hands that like to grab and explore. They’re made of thick cardboard pages that can withstand being chewed on, drooled on, and even tossed around. 

Board books often feature bright, bold colors and simple, repetitive text that can capture a baby’s attention and help them learn.

One great thing about board books is that they’re often designed to be interactive, with flaps to lift or textures to touch. Plus, they come in all sorts of fun themes and topics, from animals and shapes to first words and nursery rhymes. 

And as your baby grows, board books can be a great tool for early literacy, helping to develop vocabulary, memory, and even empathy.

What are board books?

Board books are a unique type of children’s book that are specifically designed for babies and toddlers. Unlike traditional picture books, board books have thick, sturdy pages made of cardboard that can withstand the rough handling of little hands. 

They are created with durability in mind, ensuring that they can withstand the occasional chew, drool, or accidental tossing across the room. So, don’t worry about your little explorer getting too enthusiastic with these books – they’re built to last!

Baby Registry Guide

Best baby board books

Now, let’s get into the fun part: the best baby board books that deserve a special place on your bookshelf. 

We’ve handpicked 15 popular board books that are not only engaging but also offer fantastic educational benefits. Here are our top picks!

  1. “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown: This classic bedtime story soothes your little one with its rhythmic text and gentle illustrations
  2. “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle: With vibrant colors and repetitive text, this book introduces animals and colors to your baby
  3. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle: Join the journey of a hungry caterpillar as it munches through various foods, teaching counting and healthy eating habits
  4. “Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney: A heartwarming tale of love between a parent and child, perfect for bedtime snuggles
  5. “Where Is Baby’s Belly Button?” by Karen Katz: Lift-the-flap fun awaits as your baby discovers body parts and develops motor skills
  6. “Dear Zoo” by Rod Campbell: Lift the flaps to find the perfect pet in this interactive book that introduces animals and descriptive words
  7. “Peek-a-Who?” by Nina Laden: Delight your little one with this playful book that encourages interactive peek-a-boo fun
  8. “First 100 Words” by Roger Priddy: This board book is a wonderful tool for building vocabulary, showcasing common objects and words
  9. “The Going-To-Bed Book” by Sandra Boynton: Join a group of animal friends as they prepare for bedtime, with whimsical illustrations and a soothing rhythm
  10. “Baby Faces” by DK Publishing: Introduce your baby to different emotions and facial expressions with adorable close-up photos of babies
  11. “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault: An energetic alphabet adventure with catchy rhymes that teach letters and their order
  12. “Pat the Bunny” by Dorothy Kunhardt: Engage your baby’s senses with interactive elements like soft fur and peek-a-boo games
  13. “The Wheels on the Bus” by Jane Cabrera: Sing along with this lively adaptation of the classic song, featuring diverse illustrations and interactive pull-tabs
  14. “I Love You Through and Through” by Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak: Celebrate love and all the different parts of your baby with this sweet and reassuring board book
  15. “Big Red Barn” by Margaret Wise Brown: Take a trip to the farm with this charming book that introduces animals and the beauty of rural life

These books will keep your little one engaged, entertained, and foster their love for reading from an early age.

Best custom photo board books

If you’re looking to add a touch of familiarity and love to your baby’s reading experience, photo board books are an excellent choice. These books allow you to showcase your family, friends, pets, favorite places – really anything!

Your baby will adore flipping through the pages and recognizing the familiar photos from their life.

Here are a few websites where you can create custom board books

  1. Shutterfly Children’s Board Books: Their books are super customizable and easy to create, and with frequent sales and codes for free shipping, it’s the most budget-friendly option too
  2. Pinhole Press Custom Board Books for Kids: Cited as the original photo board book for kids – these have been featured in all major news outlets, are spiral bound, and have been loved in my house!
  3. Artifact Uprising Baby Board Book: While this is a bit costly, the heirloom quality of this customizable photo book

Photo board books add a personal touch and strengthen the bond between your baby and their loved ones.

Wrapping up

Remember, building a library for your baby is not just about filling shelves. It’s about fostering a love for reading, nurturing their curiosity, and creating beautiful moments together. 

Whether you choose board books that withstand countless adventures or classic stories that tug at the heart, every book you add to your baby’s collection is an investment in their future.

Baby Registry Guide
Liesel Teen, RN-BSN

Liesel Teen

BSN, RN, Practicing Labor and Delivery Nurse

As a labor and delivery nurse, I’ve spent countless hours with women who felt anxious — even fearful — about giving birth. I want you to know it doesn’t have to be that way for you!

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