Reading is one of the best forms of early learning education.
Reading to babies from birth helps cognitive development and teaches communication, building listening, memory and vocabulary.
Sharing a book together is also a very special bonding experience and a great way to engage with your little one. As they grow older, interactive toddler books can keep them busy, on the move and at home, and gentle picture books can help them wind down before bedtime.
So, what should you look for in first baby books for your child? Black and white books or board books with high contrast patterns are brilliant books for newborns – you will be amazed how fascinated they will be by the images.
Early learning books for older babies and toddlers often also introduce key concepts such as number, letters, colours and shapes. Sensory books for babies are great for keeping their attention – cloth books, touch and feel, sound books – and books with faces and mirrors help them interpret emotions.
As toddlers get older and start preschool, wipe-clean books and activity books for toddlers are brilliant first educational books to stimulate their learning.
Check out our list of the best baby books and start your child’s journey to a lifelong love of reading.
For more ideas, check out our list of best books for babies and classic baby and toddler books here too.