Choosing Books For Infants and Toddlers

Choose books with high contrasts. Newborns are still developing their eyesight and bold images with high contrasts provide the most visual appeal. They also stimulate a baby’s vision.

Choose books that are durable such as board books or those made from fabric/cloth. Babies will likely explore them with their teeth and hands, and they will be sturdy enough for toddlers to explore them in many ways without ripping them apart.

Choose books with more pictures and fewer words. Photographs that show real people, places, and things with which babies may be familiar with can capture and sustain their attention.

Choose interactive books. Young children enjoy books with interactive elements such as pop-up books, books with flaps for them to lift, and books that give them opportunities to search for items. They may also want to explore books through their senses (e.g., touch and feel books and sound and musical books).