The First Books I Wanted to Read to My New Baby

The First Books I Wanted to Read to My Baby With a brand new baby in the house, there’s a lot of time for reading together on the couch. And what better time to introduce my newest child to my favorite baby books?

Here are eight books I couldn’t wait to read to her when we got home from the hospital. I plan to keep reading these with her for years to come.

Goodnight Moon

by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd

Buy from:

How could this one not be on the list? I do think this is THE ultimate baby book and if I had to choose just one single book to read to my baby, this would be it.

Buy from:

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

by Bill Martin Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle

Buy from:

I remember my mom reading this to my little brother ALL the time, so in my mind, it’s one of the best baby books around. After two kids, our copy is looking a little battered, but there’s nothing I love more than a well-loved book.

Buy from:

Pajama Time!

by Sandra Boynton

Buy from:

My husband and I can recite this one from memory. It’s so catchy and fun. Plus, as a parent, pajama time may well be the best time of day.

Buy from:

The Runaway Bunny

by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd

Buy from:

I’d never read this one until I was an adult, but now I find it delightful. And my girls are huge fans of it, too. What mother, human, or rabbit, doesn’t want to keep that new little one in their sight at all times?

Buy from:

Gossie and Gertie

by Olivier Dunrea

Buy from:

The story of two little barnyard friends — one of them bossy and the other one a willing follower ... at least for a little while — is perfect for my third little girl who will probably get bossed around a lot, but who will hopefully be able to blaze her own path, too.

Buy from:

Perfect Pets

by Roger Priddy

Buy from:

This book, filled with cute animals and things to touch, is delightful to read and fun for even the tiniest babies. I love holding my baby’s little hand and running it over the various textures.

Buy from:

“More More More,” Said the Baby

by Vera B. Williams

Buy from:

This Caldecott Honor book about babies being loved by various family members is one of my favorites. And the bright illustrations and multicultural families make it extra special.

Buy from: