10 Books to Bring to a Baby Shower

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Are you wondering what book to give to a new baby or expecting mom? Look no further!

It’s baby shower season! I’m sure you’ve had invitations to baby showers where you’re asked to bring a book for the baby.

Why should you bring a book as a baby shower gift?

So many reasons! For starters, it’s a cute idea! It stocks the nursery bookshelves with a variety of books for baby. More importantly it emphasizes when to start reading to baby – right away! 

Buying books for babies emphasizes the importance of reading early and often! Reading to babies is great for their development and language learning. It’s also a great way to bond with your baby! Books are a wonderful learning tool, too!

We’ve curated a list of 10 of the best books to bring to a baby shower that can be enjoyed through toddlerhood, too!

Take a look at these books, why we like them, and how we would read them with babies and toddlers!

01. My Favorite Board Book for Baby

Peek-a WHO?

This book is one of my absolute favorites! I buy it for new moms all the time.

 It’s repetitive with a surprise on every page. It’s great for language building and engagement while reading. 

When reading to babies, it’s best to keep things short and sweet. This book only has a few words per page.

The bright contrasting colors in the illustrations keep baby’s attention. This is definitely a must-have in baby’s library!

02. Best Sensory Book for Baby

Never Touch a Koala!

The “Never Touch a…” series of books is great! There are many different animals to choose from and rhyming pages. 

These books have sensory elements keep babies and toddlers engaged. Encourage baby to reach out and touch the silicone textures on every page!

03. Best High-Contrast Book for a Newborn

Hello, Baby Animals

Within the first month of life, newborns see in black, white, and shades of gray. This makes contrast books some of the best books for newborns!

I love the simple wording and clear shapes of this book series! The rounded corners and sturdy pages make this a great board book for little hands.

The book uses simple greetings throughout like “hi, hello, what’s up” and includes bold patterns for baby to focus on.

Trust me when I say babies will continue to read and enjoy this book throughout toddlerhood!

04. Best Touch & Feel Book for Baby

That’s Not My Monkey

Touch and feel books are great for babies and toddlers! They provide a fun and engaging sensory experience while reading. 

This series is one of my favorites because it incorporates simple, repetitive text. Baby can get involved in every page feeling the tactile components!

Start reading these types of books around 3-4 months of age when baby starts reaching for things. Model how to touch all the soft and scratchy parts and see if baby will imitate you! 

Keep reading these types of books as your baby gets older! Don’t forget to model the functional language, too!

05. My Favorite Interactive Book for Babies & Toddlers

See, Touch, Feel

This is one of my favorite interactive books for incorporating sensory play. I buy it for all the new parents I know!

It has raised textures, finger trails, and more. The pages are sturdy, bright, and colorful.

Take turns scratching the ribs on the xylophone or banging the drum. Each page has an activity that invites baby to touch, explore, and participate!

There are only a few words on each page, so you can start reading it to baby early. As baby grows, you can incorporate more of the interactive pieces of the book!

06. Best Lift-the-Flap Book for Baby

Where’s The Dog?

One of the best books for babies because it has felt flaps that don’t tear! Babies love playing peek-a-boo and that’s what you do throughout this book!

Your little one can help find the animals on every page by lifting the flaps! The words and pictures are simple and easy for babies to follow. 

Use simple phrases when looking for the animals like, “Where are you? Where’s the dog?” You can also incorporate animal sounds to practice imitation.

There’s a mirror at the end for baby to take a look at their reflection. They can find themselves!

07. Classic Lift-the-Flap Book for Babies & Toddlers

Where is Baby’s Belly Button?

I love books by Karen Katz! This classic board book is so well-loved! It’s a great book to add to baby’s collection. 

The lift-the-flaps are large allowing babies to engage on every page. The illustrations and bright and cheerful, too!

As your baby grows, you can use this book to identify body parts and model functional language.

08. Best Book with Sounds for Baby

Baby’s Very First Noisy Nursery Rhymes

Books with sound are great for little ones! This book has soothing sounds that keep baby’s attention. 

Each page has a corresponding button that plays a short tune! Sing nursery rhymes to baby and let them coo and babble along!This book has been a favorite for both of my kids in their first year especially.

09. Best Book with Mirrors for Baby

My First I See You – A Mirror Book

I love Eric Carle books! The colorful illustrations can’t be beat! 

This board book has mirrors throughout to engage baby. Babies love looking at themselves. They will start to recognize their reflection making the book even more fun!

The rhyming pages are simple and sweet.

10. Best Soft Book for Baby

Whose Feet?

Don’t forget about soft books for baby! This cute cloth book helps identify animals in a fun way – by their feet!

The feet at the bottom of the book encourage baby to reach out and grasp. The bright-colored pages are engaging, short and sweet. 

If baby starts to eat the pages, don’t worry! It means they’re engaged…and it’s machine washable!

They will continue to enjoy this book it into toddlerhood!

Looking for more?

We curated a list of the best books for babies and toddlers so you can read every day!