Books for Babies
One of the best gifts you can give your child is a love of books.
The Library’s Books for Babies scheme provides every newborn in Dunedin, approximately 2,000 every year, with a free library pack and book, courtesy of the University Bookshop and Friends of the Library.
A card from Dunedin Public Libraries offers you access to a magic world of six Libraries and two Bookbuses, each offering a treasure trove of stories, information, music and movies.
Books for Babies Basics
Babies love to snuggle, so why not snuggle up with your baby and a book and read together? Your baby will enjoy hearing your voice and looking at the pictures while in a safe, warm place – your lap.
The Listener 0 – 2 Months
At this age babies have a limited range of vision, so books with bright bold patterns are perfect. Books with rhymes and rhythm are also well loved.
The Observer 2 – 4 Months
Again, books with bold, bright designs and high-contrast illustrations are a hit. Have a conversation and talk with your baby about the pictures.
The Cooer 4 – 8 Months
Touch-and-feel books, stimulating a range of senses, are a favourite with many babies at this age. Board books are also useful as baby learns to grasp. It’s a great idea to include a few books in the toy box, so baby can enjoy them alongside other toys.
The Babbler 8 – 12 Months
Lift-the-flaps books provide lots of fun at this stage. Baby will soon be starting to talk, so hearing a wide variety of words is more important than ever. Have a conversation and talk with your baby about the pictures.
Every baby needs a lap so why not lap it up with a book?