Baby & Toddler Cognitive Development Books

Snuggling with your little one and looking at a book together is one of the most enjoyable moments of your day, but it is more than just a fun time. Reading to your child when she is young gives her active exposure to language, which sets her up with social and educational advantages, according to KidsHealth. But with the endless possibilities of kids' books available, knowing which ones are the best for your baby or toddler can be tricky. Depending on her age, you can tailor your choices based on some simple guidelines.

  1. Young Infants

    • Though the act of reading itself is just as meaningful as the books you choose, certain visuals will hold the attention of your newborn longer, according to Scholastic Parents. Because your infant's vision is still developing, books with high-contrast images or simple bright graphics appeal to her. The books "Black on White" and "White on Black," both by Tana Hoban, or "Look Look Outside!" by Peter Linenthal, offer simple black and white images that your baby will love to look at while you talk about the shapes. Young babies also enjoy listening to your voice as you read rhythmic or repetitive texts, such as "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown, or "Moo Baa La La La," by Sandra Boynton.

    Older Infants

    • As your baby develops and learns to grab, hold or even chew the books, look for ones that are sturdy enough to hold up to her rough handling. Board books or cloth books make good choices for this age. "Pat the Bunny," by Dorothy Kunhardt, lets your baby be involved in the story by touching and feeling each page, and "Where's Spot?" by Eric Hillengages, your little one in a game of peek-a-boo while you search under flaps for the puppy. According to the Zero to Three website, babies also love to see pictures of other babies, so books such as "Babies, Babies," by Debby Slier, or "Baby, Boo!" by Amazing Baby, will hold your little one's attention as you turn pages full of photographs and read simple text.

    Young Toddlers

    • While you might have more trouble getting your toddler to sit still and listen to a book now that she is on the move, reading is still important to her routine. She will enjoy books with bright and colorful illustrations and simple text. Books such as "Dear Zoom," by Rod Campbell, or "Trains Go," by Steve Light, offer topics that interest your toddler and will keep her turning the pages. At this age, a consistent bedtime routine is helpful, and reading some favorite bedtime stories can help your little one unwind each day. Look for books with repetitive or predictable text such as "Pajama Time," by Sandra Boynton, "Bedtime Rhymes," by Claire Beaton, or "Big Red Barn," by Margaret Wise Brown.

    Older Toddlers

    • Once your toddler is 2 years old, she'll enjoy books that tell simple stories about topics she is familiar with. "Llama Llama, Mad at Mama" and "Llama Llama Red Pajama," both by Anna Dewdney, illustrate feelings and behaviors that your toddler can relate to and can help you discuss how to handle them. Many books for this age also teach color and number concepts, including "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," by Eric Carle, or "Animal 1-2-3," by Britta Teckentrup. Books such as "Hug," by Jez Alborough, and "Goodnight, Gorilla," by Peggy Rathmann, tell their story largely through illustrations, allowing your toddler to make up her own words and begin to feel like a reader herself.

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