A story together
Choosing your baby's first books
You don't need a perfect nursery bookshelf. Begin with a few books you can enjoy together, and let your child's interest help you choose the next one.
About 2 minutes
Look inside before you buy
For a young baby, try clear, bold pictures with one main thing to look at. A face, an animal or a familiar object gives you something easy to name. A book can have very few words, or none; you can supply the conversation. source
Open a few pages and read them aloud to yourself. Do the words feel comfortable in your mouth? Is there a sound you would enjoy making? Can you find something to point out without studying the picture first? You are choosing a book to share, so your enjoyment gets a place in the decision.
As your child grows, try familiar routines, little surprises and subjects they already notice: buses, dogs, shoes, babies, rain. Repeated phrases and simple stories are useful options. Age labels can help you browse; your child's response helps you decide what to keep offering. source
Choose a format for today
Sturdy board books or books made for babies to handle can suit the grabbing and exploring stage. Paper pages can be shared with your help. The same child can enjoy different formats; there is no need to clear out the board books on a birthday. source
Think about the practical bits too. Can you comfortably hold the book? Can your child help turn its pages? Will delicate flaps need more help than you want to give during a busy afternoon? It's fine to save a beautiful fragile book for a time when you can sit together.
Leave room to borrow and discover
Before buying a stack, ask your library what it offers for babies and toddlers. You can try different subjects and styles, and bring back the ones that don't catch on. Libraries can also offer story times; check your local branch for its arrangements. source
Next time you choose, pick one book about something your child already enjoys and one that makes you curious. Start there. There will be time to find the next favorite.
Where this advice comes from
Links checked 17 October 2026. These are the sources behind this page.