When you first bring baby home, feeding and diaper duty may take top priority, but once your little one starts to stay awake for longer periods, there is no better time to introduce them to the act of reading and story time. If you haven’t started building a nursery library already, not to worry. We have reading recommendations broken down by age for your little one’s first two years. So cue the cuddles, grab a board book — don’t forget baby! — and settle in for your family’s new favorite thing to-do.
Books Giving Extra
Birth to 6 Months
In the first few months of a newborn’s life, the reading experience is not so much about the words on the page as it is about small books with tactile elements baby can touch and feel while listening to your voice. Think surprise mirrors they can look in, finger puppets you can wiggle, soft crinkle pages that make sound, and even teethers … because those two-front baby teeth will be here in no time.
Connecting the Dots
7 to 12 Months
During the second half of baby’s first year, he or she will start to connect words with the images on the page. Now is the time to get a little more animated when reading to your child. Babies love to hear their parents and caregivers make lots of different sounds and watch facial expressions change. Soon they will start to become familiar with animal sounds and the names of everyday objects and familiar people. Choose books with minimal words per page and colorful illustrations. Interactive elements such as lift-the-flaps and tabs are also great for improving fine-motor skills.
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Low-Key Literacy
13 to 18 Months
Around your child’s first birthday, you may notice that he or she is trying to say some words. Now’s a good time to introduce board books with 1-2 sentences per page so they can build on their vocabulary. Don’t be afraid to ask your child questions and encourage them to point to objects they might know. But no pressure — family reading time should still be playful and lite. Keep making those silly sounds and having fun with interactive elements like squish-and-squeak books.
Reading on Repeat
19 to 24 Months
As your child approaches toddlerhood, reading routines start to set in. You may notice that they always pick the same board book to read, and that is completely OK. Repetitive reading makes a child feel safe and calm while helping them to remember new words. If you’re looking for stories that never get old, we recommend the Touch and Trace series — a modern take on nursery rhymes — or the best-selling You’re My Little series, which are filled with sweet rhymes, colorful illustrations, shaped cut-outs, and raised elements.
