Books play an important role in childhood. Parents bond with babies and introduce them to language and pictures through books from a young age.
Board books are special books designed for babies and toddlers. They have thick pages that are easy to turn and hard to rip.
These books handle drool, rough hands, and even tiny teeth. Bright pictures and simple stories keep little ones interested.
Board books are the right size for small hands. Babies can toss, chew, and play with them every day.
When choosing board books, look for non-toxic materials because babies often chew on everything. Choose books that are light enough for babies to hold but too big for them to swallow.
Sturdy, safe, and engaging board books work best for the youngest readers. We spent hours reviewing different board books to find the safest and most fun options for families.
Best Board Books for Babies
We chose our favorite board books for little ones. Here are the top picks that help babies learn and have fun!
Voices Are Not for Yelling Board Book
This book helps parents teach young children about using calm voices.
Pros
- Uses clear and kind words to address yelling
- Bright pictures keep little ones interested
- Durable board book design stands up to lots of use
Cons
- May not stop yelling right away
- The story can feel a bit repetitive to adults
- Some kids might lose interest if they’re older
We noticed right away that the language in Voices Are Not for Yelling is simple and direct. The message is clear and encourages kids to use a softer voice.
The colorful illustrations keep toddlers’ attention on each page. Some children in our group started repeating the calm-down tips from the book after a few readings.
The breathing technique is easy for little ones to remember, which helps parents during tough moments. The book never feels harsh or preachy.
Not every child will stop yelling after reading it once. The text may feel basic for older kids.
For daycares, classrooms, or homes with toddlers, Voices Are Not for Yelling is a sturdy, helpful addition to the bookshelf.
Teeth Are Not for Biting
This board book helps little ones understand that biting is not okay.
Pros
- Gentle, age-appropriate way to address biting
- Durable pages that hold up to rough toddler handling
- Simple message that’s easy to repeat and reinforce
Cons
- May not stop biting right away
- Story is very straightforward, not much of a plot
- Some kids might lose interest quickly if they already know about not biting
Teeth Are Not for Biting delivers its message in a way even the youngest kids can understand. The sturdy, bite-proof pages work well for little hands.
Its size fits perfectly on a shelf or in a diaper bag for trips to daycare. Biting issues often come up there.
The book keeps things simple and fits short toddler attention spans. The repeated message makes it easy for parents to reinforce at home.
Sharing the book a few times has helped us answer tough questions about biting in a way toddlers can grasp. Some kids may need more time or extra reminders.
Although the book reads quickly, we sometimes wish there were a bit more variety or fun in the text. When biting is a challenge, Teeth Are Not for Biting gives parents a gentle support tool.
Feet Are Not for Kicking (Board Book)
This book helps parents teach toddlers about kindness and gentle behavior.
Pros
- Sturdy pages ideal for tiny, energetic hands
- Clear, helpful message about how to use our feet
- Simple and lively illustrations capture attention
Cons
- The story can feel a bit short
- Message might need repeating for strong-willed kids
- Some kids may outgrow the book quickly
Feet Are Not for Kicking made conversations about gentle play easier for us. It helps when our toddler is feeling active or having a tough day.
The book’s sturdy board pages stand up to lots of exploring and even a few tosses across the room. Bright pictures and short sentences keep our child’s attention.
The book offers gentle reminders, like “Feet are not for kicking people—ouch, that hurts!” which we use during daily routines. Despite its short length, the book gets right to the point.
If you want a practical, easy-to-read book to encourage gentle choices, Feet Are Not for Kicking (Board Book) is a solid tool for everyday parenting.
Pacifiers Are Not Forever Board Book
This board book guides parents who want to help their toddler move on from pacifiers gently.
Pros
- Durable pages survive toddler hands
- Simple language helps kids follow along
- Useful for starting conversations about giving up pacifiers
Cons
- Some of the wording feels a bit too “American”
- Story can be less engaging for some children
- Not every child connects with the characters
Pacifiers Are Not Forever Board Book is sturdy and easy to flip through. Our kids like to grab it themselves.
The book is short and gets to the point, so we don’t worry about tired attention spans. Gentle wording makes it less scary to talk about saying goodbye to pacifiers.
When we read this with our toddlers, it helps us start honest conversations about why we want to stop using pacifiers. The simple story and illustrations help our little ones understand the main idea.
Some of the phrases are different from what we use at home, but we change the words as we read. Not every child finds the book interesting, but it is helpful as a starting point.
If you want a tool to help your family transition away from pacifier use, Pacifiers Are Not Forever Board Book is worth considering.
Lost at School Guide
This book offers practical advice and ideas for helping kids with behavioral challenges at school.
Pros
- Offers easy-to-follow steps for working with children who struggle with behavior
- Written by an expert with real experience in schools
- Gives tools that teachers and parents can start using right away
Cons
- The book is on the longer side and might take time to read
- Focuses mainly on school settings, so it’s less helpful for home-only challenges
- Some solutions may need teamwork from teachers, counselors, and parents
After we read Lost at School Guide, we felt more confident about supporting students who have a harder time with behavior. Dr. Ross W. Greene explains that difficult behavior shows a child needs help, not punishment.
The step-by-step advice is helpful and simple. The book gives us ideas we can use as teachers, parents, or anyone helping kids at school.
Some of us started using these strategies in our classrooms and saw the difference right away. The book is a bit longer than expected and mostly talks about school environments.
For families looking for solutions at home, it covers less ground. For any parent or teacher who wants to help kids and not just punish them, Lost at School Guide is worth adding to your bookshelf.
Buying Guide
When we shop for board books, we want to pick the best ones for our babies. We need to look at more than just the cover.
We should consider these key features:
- Durability: Thick and sturdy pages work best. Babies love to grab and chew.
- Size: Books should fit little hands. Small or medium sizes are ideal.
- Safety: Smooth edges and no small parts keep babies safe.
We can also think about what’s inside:
- Simple Stories: Babies enjoy short stories with easy words.
- Bright Pictures: High-contrast images keep their attention.
- Textures: Some board books have soft or bumpy spots to touch.
Here’s a quick comparison table:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Sturdy Pages | Books last longer with hard use |
| Colorful Art | Colorful art holds a baby’s interest |
| Simple Text | Simple text is easier for early learning |
We should pick books we can wipe clean. Spills and drool happen often.
Try to choose a variety. Some books focus on shapes, animals, or daily routines.
This keeps reading fun and helps babies learn.
If we want to give a board book as a gift, we should check the age recommendation. This helps us pick something right for the child’s stage.
