ParentlistBoard Books
Sturdy books for bedtime routines and early language.
- Priority
- Essential
- Ages
- 0-5 years
- Category
- Play & Development
When you need it
Board books are useful from the newborn weeks, when the pictures matter less than the sound of your voice. From around 6 months babies grab and chew them, then begin turning pages and pointing at pictures. Many preschoolers still love their favorites up to age 5, so they stay part of the bedtime routine for years.
What to look for
Thick, laminated pages with rounded corners survive chewing and rough handling. For young babies, look for simple pictures, faces and bold colors; for toddlers, lift-the-flap, rhyming and first-word books keep interest high. Small sizes slip easily into travel and daycare bags. A wipeable finish makes cleanup quick.
Board Books: common questions
- Do I need a board books?
- Yes, a handful of board books is one of the best things you can have. Reading together is easy, screen-free and works on flights, road trips and at bedtime. Libraries and hand-me-downs are a great way to keep the shelf fresh without buying a lot.
- When does a baby need a board books?
- From the first weeks for reading aloud, and from around 6 months for baby to hold and explore.
Ages
- Best Toys for Newborns (0-3 Months)
- Best Toys for a 3 Month Old
- Best Toys for a 6 Month Old
- Best Toys for a 9 Month Old
- Best Toys for 1 Year Olds (Montessori & Screen-Free)
- Best Toys for an 18 Month Old
- Best Toys for 2 Year Olds
- Best Toys for 3, 4 & 5 Year Olds
On these checklists
- Newborn Essentials Checklist
- Baby Registry Checklist: What You Actually Need
- Diaper Bag Checklist: What to Pack
- Flying With a Baby Checklist
- Road Trip With Baby Checklist
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