Reading works beautifully as part of a wind-down routine. Pair a favorite story with cozy organic pajamas or a sleep sack, and keep a lovey close for toddlers over 12 months. Our DreamLog sleep tracker helps you see how the routine is working.
During the day, books pair well with a play gym or activity toy, soft plush friends from the same stories, and pretend play sets for toddlers who want to act them out. A book and a matching plush makes an easy gift: see our baby gift sets, or browse all our non-toxic baby toys.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start reading to my baby?
You can start from birth. Newborns won't follow the story, but they love hearing your voice, and reading daily from infancy supports language development long before a child says their first word.
What kinds of books are best for babies?
In the first months, high-contrast images and simple pictures hold attention best. From around 6 months, sturdy board books and soft cloth books suit babies who want to grab, turn pages and chew. Toddlers enjoy simple stories with repetition and familiar characters.
What is a soft or cloth book?
A cloth book is made from fabric rather than paper, so it's light, quiet, washable and safe to mouth. Many include crinkle pages or textures, which makes them part toy, part book, and ideal for babies who aren't gentle yet.
How long should we read for?
A few minutes at a time is plenty for a baby. What matters is doing it often rather than for long. Follow your child's interest: if they want the same book ten times in a row, that repetition is how they learn.
Can my baby have books in the crib?
Not before 12 months. Keep books, toys and soft objects out of your baby's sleep space for the first year, in line with safe sleep guidance. Read together before bed, then take the book out of the crib.
How do I clean baby books?
Wipe board and paper books with a barely damp cloth and dry them right away. Most cloth books can be machine washed on a gentle cycle and air dried. Check the care label for fabric books.
Do books make good baby gifts?
Yes. Books are affordable, never duplicated in a bad way, and they grow with a child. A story paired with the matching plush toy makes a lovely set for a baby shower or first birthday.
Do you offer free shipping and returns on books?
Yes. Every order ships free with hassle-free returns, and first-time customers get 10% off at checkout, up to a maximum discount of $75. See our shipping and returns pages for details.
