By Christa Protano
If you know someone who is expecting, chances are you’ll be invited to a (virtual or socially distanced) baby shower sometime soon. When purchasing a gift off the registry just doesn't seem personal enough, consider adding one of these board books to the mix. These titles will help a new mom or dad turn story time into an interactive, sensory experience.
Lift-the Flap: I Love You So
This book is all about the snuggles, as you can probably tell by the title. Each lift-the-flap page helps develop motor skills while celebrating the bond between parent and child. There is also no shortage of adorably illustrated baby animals. Bunnies, bear cubs, and foxes … oh my!
Touch-And-Feel: Pat-a-Cake Monkey
It’s no secret that learning through touch helps a child develop language and motor skills, and gain a better understanding of the world around them. That’s why we love this board book that lets infants use their little hands to explore various textures via a playful monkey theme.
Press-for-Sound: Sing-Along Nursery Rhymes
Consider this book an intro to those beloved songs that all babies and toddlers seem to crave on repeat. Each sound button emits an instrumental version of a popular nursery rhyme, while colorful pictures and boldfaced text bring Itsy Bitsy Spider, Wheels on the Bus and more to life.
Peekaboo Pages: With All My Heart
Mama bear and cub take center stage in this oh-so-sweet board book. Shaped die-cuts on each page add an element of texture and fun for babies to grab onto, while rhyming text is sure to evoke all the feels. Warning: first-time moms and dads will want to have the tissue box nearby.