Reading to children is such a rewarding experience. It’s a fun way to have them interact with you and the book while creating a special bond that you and your child will love! Reading to young children comes with a lot of benefits, it opens up the mind of the child and helps them learn. You can read board books to babies and toddlers and if you’re worried about quality of books look no further because board books are the best books to have in your home for your littles to enjoy!
These books are great for helping your baby learn about different colors, shapes, animals, and more!
Back when my son was a baby I would read to him as much as I could throughout the day and for bedtime! I had all kinds of books laying around my house, I also had paperback books at the time and trust me those books would get torn up way before I had a chance to read them. So i switched to board books and while the books would still be tossed here and there I didn’t feel the need to get a little crazy running around. My son loved reading them and it melted my heart seeing him grow into this little boy with so much knowledge and with all the talking and asking questions I knew I made a right choice by reading to him at a young age. I also know being a mommy is tough sometimes and being busy is one of our chores, but try spending at least 15 minutes reading to your child and trust me it will be worth it!
Board books are a great way to start teaching your babies and toddlers to read. If you really don’t have enough time to read through this helpful article about board books, I recommend the book First 100 Words that way your baby or toddler can get the hang of a durable board book that has simple pictures and words to get them started!
What is a Board Book?
A Board Book is a thick book designed for younger children. They have thick hard pages which makes them more durable than a regular paperback book. A lot of times they will have different textures for your baby to feel and explore as they are reading. Board books are the perfect way to introduce books to your baby.
What is a Board Book made of?
Board Books are made of thick paperboard, made by the process of board book binding. Board book binding means that the thick paperboard pages are cut in sets of 2 and glued by hand. The pages are glued or sewn to the spine of the book and are made strong enough to last a long time. Board books are generally smaller than regular paperback books, which makes them perfect for tiny hands to hold. They also have rounded edges making them safer for young children.
What are the Benefits of a Board Book?
The benefit of a board book is that they are durable and able to withstand pulling, and biting. They are also great for small hands and help to develop coordination skills. Board books are easier for babies to interact with and the pages are thick enough to turn easily without struggle. Another benefit is that you don’t have to worry about ripped pages thrown everywhere across the floor.
Board books are perfect for babies, they are also lightweight. Babies love to explore different colors, shapes, and pictures, board books usually tend to have exactly what your child needs to start reading and understanding pictures. Board books are a great way to help your baby learn about the world around them.
Why should I read Board Books to my child?
Babies and toddlers love to explore, they also love hearing mommy or daddy’s voice, reading board books to babies are a great way to help them learn. Reading to babies and toddlers help with their developmental skills, cognitive skills, and social skills. Reading also helps with their language development and communication skills. Children who are read to often have a larger vocabulary than those who are not.
When is the best time to start reading Board Books to my child?
There is no set time to start reading board books to your baby. You can read to your baby while he or she is still in the womb or as soon as they are in your arms! Reading to babies often will help them develop a love for books and reading. This will help your child in the long run, as they will be more likely to excel in school and reading comprehension.
Why giving a first Board Book is important?
Giving a baby or toddler their first board book is important, it’s a way for you to bond with your child and create special memories together. Reading board books to babies and toddlers is a great way to help them learn and as they grow they can keep there first board book as a keepsake. They can look back and cherish the moments they remember together with you.
A fun idea is to record your baby’s first reaction to their book, or to record your toddler actually reading straight from the book that would be a great memory to keep!
How to Choose a Board Book for Your child
Why choosing a Board Book is important? When choosing a board book for your baby, you want to make sure that the book is age appropriate. There are many different types of board books available, such as concept books, picture books, and storybooks. Make sure to choose a book with bright colors and interesting illustrations. You want to catch your child’s attention and hold it. Babies and toddlers are attracted to colors, shapes, and movement.
You also want to make sure that the book is durable. Board books are made to last, but some are better than others. Choose a book that has thick pages and is well-constructed. You don’t want a book that is going to fall apart after some pulling and biting.
What’s the difference between a Board Book and a paperback Book?
A board book is made of thick paperboard or cardboard from beginning to end that also includes the pages within the board book . A paperback or hardback book is bound with fabric, paper, or leather and has pages made of thin paper which make them flexible. Board books are also smaller in size than regular books. Board books are meant for babies and toddlers who are just learning to read or who haven’t developed the coordination skills to hold a regular book. Once your child is older, they will be able to graduate to a regular book.
What is a Standard size Board Book?
A standard size board book is usually about 6 inches by 6 inches, but can range from 5 inches by 5 inches to 8 inches by 8 inches. The size of the book will depend on the publisher and printer. Some companies make smaller or larger board books, but the standard size is still the most popular.
Board books are usually smaller and thicker then paperback books or hardback books, which makes them easy for little hands to hold and carry around.
What age are Board Books suitable for?
They are great for all ages, board books are suitable for all children and are ideal for babies and toddlers all the way to 4 years of age. They are fun, easy to read and colorful making them the best books for your child. Board books are also easy to carry around making them convenient for parents. At 5 years children usually look for something more challenging such as a picture book or easy reader.
Why We Recommend Board Books
We recommend board books for a few reasons:
- They are more durable- babies love to throw and chew on their books and regular paperback books will not withstand that type of abuse.
- They have thicker pages which makes them easier for little fingers to turn.
- They often have different textures and raised elements that babies love to explore.
- They are smaller and lighter weight, making them easy for tiny hands to hold onto.
- They introduce babies to the joy of reading at a young age!
What are some of the Best Board Books for Babies and toddlers?
The best board books for young children are those that will engage and stimulate their senses. That have high-contrast simple pictures, easy-to-read text, and are durable, easy-to-follow stories, and interactive elements.
Look for books with bright colors, interesting textures, and simple concepts. These books are perfect for little ones who love to explore different textures, colors, and shapes. Reading to babies and toddlers is key to growing little Einsteins’.
I made a list of my favorite board books for babies and toddlers:
- First 100 Words
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar
- Goodnight Moon
- Silly Sea Creatures
- I Love You, Daddy
- I Love You, Mommy
- Peacock’s Rainbow Feathers
- I Love You Like No Otter
- All I Want For Christmas Is Ewe
- The Going To Bed Book
- Dear Zoo
- Chicka-Chicka Boom Boom
- Giraffes Can’t Dance
- If Animals Kissed Goodnight
- Time For Bed
- Love You Forever
- Goodnight Gorilla
- Peek-A Who
- Little Blue Truck
- Pigs in a Blanket
- Munch!
- Grandmas Wishes
- Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
- Baby Animals Touch and Feel
- Trucks Touch and Feel
FAQS
Are board books better for babies?
Yes, they are better in the way which makes it easier for the baby’s to carry around and flip through the pages. They are also usually made with thicker paper so they can withstand being thrown or chewed on more than a regular book. And finally, they often have different textures and raised elements that babies love to explore.
Can toddlers read board books?
Toddlers can read board books too! Toddlers love board books since they are thick enough to flip pages without struggle. They also like the awesome bright pictures with very little words making it easier for them to focus and understand what a word means.
What age is good for board books?
All ages from birth to 4 years and up can use board books. They are especially good for infants and toddlers who are just learning to read or who haven’t developed the coordination skills to hold a regular book. Once your child is older, they will be able to graduate to a regular book.
I really hope this article was truly helpful to you! As a mommy I know we want the best for our children and it’s true when they say “knowledge is power”. By reading simple words and recognizing pictures your children will learn so much! It’s super important to read to your children and if you haven’t already don’t wait just do it!
Love Emily,