Best Books for Infants & Newborns

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Many people ask, “When should I start reading to my baby?” My answer as a speech-language pathologist never wavers.

You can—and should—start reading to your baby from the day they’re born!

So, what are the best books for infants? I’ve carefully selected my most recommended titles, including the best books for newborns, calming bedtime stories for infants, and interactive books for babies as they grow.

Whether you’re building your baby’s first bookshelf or looking for age-appropriate reading ideas, these are the best books for infants to support early learning and connection.

High Contrast Books for Newborns

The best books for newborn development contain high-contrast colors and images. High-contrast books are much easier for babies to see and focus on.

High-Contrast Board Books

Books with high-contrast elements support infants’ visual development. They help strengthen eye muscles, encourage tracking, and hold a newborn’s attention more effectively than low-contrast books. Not only that, but they stimulate brain development as well. When babies look at bold, contrasting patterns, it activates neural pathways that support early cognitive growth.

These are some of our favorite high-contrast books for infants. We love pairing these books with high-contrast toys during playtime, especially in the newborn days!

Sensory Books for Babies

Melissa & Doug Crinkle Fish Soft Baby Book

This crinkle fish doubles as a toy and soft book fostering newborn development. With bright, contrasting colors, each fish scale has a picture underneath. It’s perfect for reading to newborns because there aren’t any words. You can simply flip the scales and “read” what’s under the picture. It’s short and sweet while also providing sensory stimulation.

Features:

• Sensory play
• Peek-a-boo scales
• Soft book and toy combo

Indestructibles® Books

Just like the name suggests, this book series is truly indestructible. These are some of the best books for infants because they can withstand just about anything. Babies can mouth, chew, crinkle, and explore the pages. These books feel more like toys than traditional books.

Features:

• Rip-proof, chewable pages
• Waterproof and washable
• Little to no text with bright, engaging illustrations
• Made with safe materials

Lift-the-Flap Baby Books

Where’s The Dog?

This is one of the best books for babies because it features durable felt flaps that won’t rip—score! Plus, you get to play peek-a-boo throughout the story, which babies love.

Features:

• Simple, repetitive phrases
• Felt flaps that won’t tear

Where is Baby’s Belly Button?

I love books by Karen Katz. This popular baby book is well-loved for good reason! Its short and simple text keeps babies engaged throughout reading.

Features:

• Minimal text for infants
• Bright, engaging illustrations
• Large lift the flap components

Look, it’s Moo Moo Cow

This book has it all. There are animal sounds to imitate, flaps to lift, and colorful foil pages for your baby to look at. It’s a beautiful book that’s so much fun to read together.

Features:

• Farm animal sounds
• Colorful collages throughout the illustrations
• Flaps and a mirror!

My Favorite Book for Infants

Peek-a WHO?

This is one of my favorite books to read to babies, so I often bring it as a baby shower gift! It’s a repetitive board book with a surprise on every page. Truly, this is one of my most recommended books for infants that they’ll love through toddlerhood.

Features:

• Cut-out windows on each page
• Colorful, high-contrast images
• Short, simple text
• Mirror on the final page

Bedtime Stories for Infants

I Love You to the Moon and Back

This sweet book focuses on the bond between caregiver and child. The characters start and end the day together. It’s a perfect book to read to your baby when winding down for the day.

Features:

• Durable board book
• Short, rhythmic sentences
• Soft colors

Time for Bed

A classic bedtime story for infants and toddlers alike. You may even remember this book from your own childhood! Join the animals as they all head off to bed.

Features:

• Simple, rhyming sentences
• Repetition
• Beautiful imagery

Night Night Farm

We love reading this as a bedtime story! Say goodnight to all the animals on the farm. As you turn the pages, watch the animals go from being awake to asleep.

Features:

• Picture-changing pages
• Glow in the dark elements
• “Night, night” phrasing

The Benefits of Reading to Your Baby

Reading to babies helps with language development, visual and listening skills, and so much more. It’s also a great way to bond with your baby and build a connection. Incorporating reading into your baby’s daily routines is a great way to foster infant development.

Tips for Reading to Your Baby

• Start early
• Keep it simple – You don’t have to read every word! If a book has lots of text, shorten it for your baby’s attention span.
• Use expression in your voice!
• Choose baby-friendly books – look for high-contrast images, short and simple text, sensory elements, etc.
• Incorporate it into daily routines

Looking for more?

Find all of the best books for babies and toddlers, categorized by age.

If you’re looking for more ways to support your newborn’s visual development, check out my post on the best high-contrast toys for infants and how to play.