Little boys love reading books about things they are especially interested in, like dinosaurs, cars, trucks, fire engines, trains, boats or planes. They love books with a lot of action and adventure. If you have a budding pilot, truck driver, fireman, engineer, dinosaur lover, running around the house, he’s sure to want to hear one of these award winning books over and over again.

My Car – By Byron Barton

Available at Amazon.com

I am These bold, chunky characters will grab your baby’s attention. They make the most of a few words, explaining how Sam cares for his car. 
Sam and this is my car. Sam explains the wonders and responsibilities of car ownership. He keeps his car clean and well maintained, filled with gas and oil. He drives carefully, stopping for pedestrians and obeying road signs. Sam shows us some of the cars parts, including the engine, wheels, body and frame, as well as the lights, so he can drive at night and the windshield wipers, so he can see when it rains. Sam also shows us one of the places he drives, to work, where he boards a bus because he’s a bus driver. My car is a must for all little car lovers.

Planes Board Book – By Byron Barton

Available at Amazon.com

The young aviator in your house will love this book. Your toddler can explore the many ways we use airplanes as he visits the airport where all kinds of planes are landing and taking off, including seaplanes, crop dusters to planes that write messages in the sky.

Freight Train – By Donald Crews

Available at Amazon.com

Have a train-crazy kid? This book has great illustrations to help children learn the names of each type of train car. Simple text describes four different types of freight cars, the caboose, the tender and the steam engine. The six basic colors plus black are used for each car and therefore this is an ideal way to teach colors to the little train lover.

Trains – by Byron Barton

Available at Amazon.com

Most little boys are fascinated by trains. Byron Barton introduces little boys to the excitement of trains in this bold and colorful book. All aboard as the train journeys through a town, through tunnels, and over bridges. Trains are also shown carrying passengers both on long distance trips, through metropolitan areas and then returning to the station. Brief text and illustrations presents a variety of trains and what they do.

Boats – By Byron Barton

Available at Amazon.com

The little sailor in your house will love this book. A variety of boats and the services they provide are showcased in this book. Fishing boats that go out so fishermen can catch fish, ferryboats that transport people from one place to another, sailboats for sailing around the bay, tugboats that help big ships into port, cruise ships that transport lots of passengers to far away places, and tankers that bring petroleum to heat homes and run cars.

Machines at Work Board Book – By Byron Barton

Available at Amazon.com

Machines at Work, takes your child through an entire day at a construction site. With the call of “Hey, you guys, lets get to work”
men and women, arrive and begin their day. Each page shows people and machines actively working. Your toddler will be fascinated by dump trucks, bulldozers, cranes, cement trucks, and more.

Oh My Oh My Oh Dinosaurs! – by Sandra Boynton

Available at Amazon.com

Little boys seem to be fascinated by dinosaurs. Happy and sad, good and bad, opposites take on a whole new meaning when illustrated by a gang of personable dinosaurs. Open the cover and your little one will discover pages full of delightful dinosaurs singing, dancing, sunbathing, volleyball playing, lumbering, galloping, and gallivanting all around. This book is a main selection of the Children’s Book-of-the-Month Club.

Dig Dig Digging – by Margaret Mayo

Available at Amazon.com

Kids who clamor of construction site action will love this book. Simple rhymes introduce eleven various large vehicles and describes the work that they do. Trucks and tractors, fire engines and helicopters-they like to work hard. But after a long, happy day of beep-beeping and vroom-vrooming, even the busiest engines need to rest. The bright, bouncy, noise-filled book brings together all the vehicles children adore.

Touch and Feel Fire Engine by DK Publishing

Available at Amazon.com

Put on your fire hat and climb on board. Toddlers can now touch and feel some of a fire engines elements in this awesome and enlighting board book. Textures of a fire engines tires, hoses and ladder, are featured in this touch and feel book that contains easy-to-read text and full-color photos.

Once Upon a Potty – Boys – by Alona Frankel

Available at Amazon.com

This book is one of the first books available to children about using the potty, and it is no surprise that it has been established as a classic and has sold over four million worldwide. It contains simple, colorful artwork that still manages to depict “poop” in very real terms. It also does a great job in incorporating parents into the process of moving from diapers to toilet. Your toddler will be empowered by Joshua as he learns to use his new potty.

Thomas the Tank Engines Big Lift-and-Look Book – by Owen Bell

Available at Amazon.com

Children love books with flaps. This book has many, many flaps, over 60 in fact. Little boys also love Thomas the tank engine. Very young children will spend a lot of time lifting and learning with this big, bright, colorful board book. Early learning concepts are reinforced on each page, as toddlers are encouraged to explore their knowledge of colors, numbers, sizes, everyday objects and the alphabet. Thomas the tank engine travels through the pages, starting out early in the morning in the train shed and moving through the stations, dropping off parcels and passengers, and finally ending up in the freight yard with car after car full of important objects to be delivered, such as milk, doors, a piano, a kangaroo, and xylophones. This wonderful book will keep your child busy for hours at a time.

Cars and Trucks and Things That Go – by Richard Scary

Available at Amazon.com

The Pig family takes a road trip to the beach for a picnic. The road is packed with hundreds of cars and trucks, vans and motorcycles, tractors and buses. The Pigs find chaos and adventure on the way to the beach and the opportunity to see vehicles they have never seen before. Besides vehicles, every page has lots of scenery. Also a little yellow bug called “gold bug” is hiding somewhere on every page. Toddlers find it great fun to look for “gold bug” every time you turn the page.

Bath time can be one of the most enjoyable moments of the day for you and your baby. Your new baby may initially resist the unfamiliar routine, but as she grows, splashing around with colorful bath toys will become good “clean” fun.

A newborn’s skin is soft and delicate. Proper skin care and bathing can help maintain the health and texture of your baby’s skin. With all the diaper changes and wiping of baby’s mouth and nose after feedings, your baby only needs to be bathed two or three times a week. Bathing more often may cause your baby’s skin to become dry and cracked.

Baths can be given any time of day but it is best to bathe your baby before a feeding. Bathing a baby after feeding can cause spitting up as the baby is moved around during the bath and laid down flat when being dressed.

When you’re getting ready to bathe your baby, make sure the room is warm and free of drafts. Fill the tub or sink, and test the water for the proper temperature. Make sure the water is deep enough to cover your baby’s lower body and tummy. Remember, babies like to be warm when they’re taking a bath. Have all your supplies ready and nearby so you can dress your baby as soon as she is dry.

Some parents find a baby bathtub a waste of money, especially if they have a large kitchen sink. The kitchen sink is also a lot easier on your back. If you decide to use the kitchen sink, be sure to clean it with Lysol Antibacterial Kitchen Sink Cleaner and rinse well before you bathe your baby.

Things you’ll want to have handy at baby bath time are:

• Baby soap and shampoo
• Towel and Washcloth
• Creams or lotions
• Diaper
• Onesies and outfit
• Receiving Blanket

Here’s a handy tip for bathing newborns. Wrap the baby in a receiving blanket before you put her in the bath. Doing this keeps her arms and legs from flailing about, and she feels safe and secure. Slowly lower her into the bath, and gently unwrap the blanket in the water. Bath time should be a warm, happy, and fun experience.

Listed below are some wonderful products that will make bath time easier and fun for both parents and baby. If you like to shop online, like I do, just click on the designated website under the product you would like to buy and the product will pop right up on your screen. You are buying directly from the website featuring the product.

Baby Bathtubs

If you use a baby bathtub, choose a sturdy tub with a smooth rounded edge that will retain its shape when you carry it full of water. Select a tub without a ramp. In a bathtub with a ramp, the water pools at the end of the tub, and your baby sits in the open air; wet and cold. Your baby’s lower body and tummy should be covered with warm water when she is in the tub. Some baby bathtubs have a heat sensor pad that lets you know if the water is too hot. But never rely on the pad alone; always test the water with your wrist or elbow before you place your baby in the tub. The baby bathtub should have a drain plug and can be used in either a double or single kitchen sink, or in an adult bathtub.

Primo EuroBath

Available at Amazon.com

The EuroBath is the first “smart” bath because its unique anatomical shape keeps baby in the ideal bathing position and prevents him from slipping under the water. The extra-large 38-quart capacity and ability to place baby in two different positions make Primo’s EuroBath perfect for children from birth to 24 months.

You’ll get a lot of use out of this baby bathtub because of its size. When your baby gets big enough to sit up on his own it’s a great tub to put into your adult size bath tub.

Fisher Price Bath Center (Ocean Wonders or Rain Forest Design)

Available at Amazon.com
Available at Target.com

From earliest infancy to toddler-hood, the Fisher-Price Bath Center provides three stages that grow with your baby.

For newborns, the sling is attached to both ends of the tub like a hammock. This creates a platform that gently cradles baby while in the bath.

For infants, the sling attaches to only the narrow end of the tub, providing trunk and neck support for those that can’t sit up by themselves yet.

For the toddler position, the sling can be removed altogether giving baby more room in the tub. Included with tub is a rinsing cup, water sprinkling toy, and a fish shaped toy that doubles as a water temperature gauge.

The First Years Infant to Toddler Tub with Sling

Available at Amazon.com
Available at Target.com

All the security, comfort and convenience parents and growing babies need in a tub. Its deep ergonomic design holds baby better for bathing.

This tub fits both double and single sinks. Mesh sling with padded headrest provides extra comfort and support to cradle even the smallest baby. I prefer to remove the sling so baby can be directly in the water where he will stay nice and warm. A special drain plug alerts parents if the water is too hot.

Baby Bath Slings & Cushions

If you don’t want to spend money on a baby bathtub and are not particularly happy about putting your baby directly in the kitchen sink, then these baby bath slings are the perfect solution. A bath sling or cradle can be used inside a sink, inside an infant bathtub or inside the adult bathtub giving parents multiple ways to easily wash their baby. I find using any one of the bath slings or cushions listed below a very convenient and easy way to bathe your baby.

Safety 1^st Bath Sling

Available at Amazon.com

Designed to hold newborns snugly, the soft sling and frame support your baby while the padded terry cloth headrest ensures comfort during bathing. Cushioned legs and sides are PBA free. Compact for easy storage and travel.

Dex Products EZ Bather Deluxe

Available at Amazon.com

The EZ Bather is designed to keep baby’s head above water. The contoured frame supports baby’s head and body allowing you to bathe baby easily, comfortably and safely. Sitting in the tub, the soft, vinyl-coated frame is safely padded and slip-resistant for security. Legs can be folded down for easy travel and storage. Fabric is machine washable.

Summer Infant Fold N’ Store Tub Time Bath Sling

Available at Amazon.com

The all-new Folding Bath Sling is a must-have for space and comfort conscious parents. The first bath sling to completely fold flat for storage, it is also contoured and cradling so baby doesn’t slip and slide during bath time.

Summer Infant Mother’s Touch Comfort Bath Support

Available at Amazon.com

The Mother’s Touch Comfort Bath Support is like putting baby on a cloud. The soft cushioned pillow makes it easier to bathe a wiggly newborn. Convenient kickstand also elevates baby’s head for better bath time interaction and comfort. Folds easily for storage and travel.

Leachco Safer Bather – Infant Bath Pad

Available at Amazon.com
Available at Target.com

Safer Bather bath pad has all the features to assure baby’s bath is as safe as it can be. The head is elevated to keep water out of baby’s ears, and it won’t break or pull apart like some sponge pads. Soft polyester filling dries quickly and is mold and mildew resistant.

Munchkin Inflatable Bath Cradle

Available at Amazon.com

The Inflatable Bath Cradle features a White Hot safety disc that turns white when the water is too hot, then turns blue when the water is a safe temperature for your baby. Cushioned edges and slip-resistant foam keep your baby comfortable and secure throughout the entire bath

Summer Infant Mother’s Touch Baby Bather

Available at Amazon.com

The Mothers’ Touch Baby Bather grows with your baby from newborn to infant. The bather’s large frame, cushioned edges, and soft mesh sling seat help ensure your baby’s comfort and safety at bath time. A deluxe head support adds extra stability for your infant and can be removed as your baby grows.

Baby Bath Sponges

Before your newborn can be submerged in a real bath, a bath sponge provides a soft, comfortable place to give your baby a sponge bath. Place the bath sponge on a bathroom counter or kitchen counter and use water from the tap to bathe baby.

You can also place the bath sponge on a changing table, bring a container of water to the changing table and sponge bathe baby there. As your baby grows you can use the bath sponge in your infant bathtub or kitchen sink. After using the bath sponge, hang it in the open air so it can dry thoroughly before its next use.

Summer Infant Comfy Bath Sponge

Available at Amazon.com

The Comfy Bath Sponge is the perfect economical choice for bathing your newborn. Contoured non-slip sponge cradles baby alone or can act as an insert for the kitchen sink or baby bath tub. The Comfy Bath Sponge gives baby additional head, neck and back support while being bathed

Safety 1^st Comfy Bath Cushion

Available at Amazon.com

This uniquely contoured shaped, hypo-allergenic foam bath cushion comes in a fun frog design. Perfect for newborn sponge bathing and provides for infant bathtub cushioning.

Baby Bath Seats

The most important thing when you are bathing your child is keeping her safe in the tub. Babies who can sit up on their own are ready for a bath seat, but do not rely on a bath seat for safety. Using a bath seat prevents your child from crawling around or standing up in the tub. All bath seats should have suctions cups securely fastened to the seat. All suction cups should securely adhere to the smooth surface of the bathtub. A straddle bar and safety belt on the bath seat keep your child from slipping into the water. Bath safety tip: Never leave your child alone or with a sibling in a tub of water

Primo Infant Bath Seat

Available at Amazon.com

Bathing a newborn is easier and safer now with Primo’s Infant Bath Seat. Now you don’t have to be afraid of dropping a wet, slippery, wiggly baby.

This plastic seat fits in large sinks or in your tub. The foam lining and design provide maximum support and comfort for baby. Designed for a baby from birth to six months old, the seat cradles the infant by supporting the legs and arms while bathing, helping to prevent the baby from slipping under the water. Suctions cups hold the seat securely in place. Holds infants up to 18 pounds and 28 inches long.

Juvenile Solutions Aquababy Bath Ring

Available at Amazon.com

The high contoured back and ring combined with an anti-slip seat makes this bath ring an extremely safe way to bathe a baby when he or she is beginning to sit up.

The six legs screw-fit into the bath ring and four large suction cups on the underside of the seat adjust to fit the shape of your bath providing enhanced safety and stability. Not suitable for non slip surfaces. Suitable for babies 1-16 months, maximum weight 28 pounds.

Dream Baby Fold-Away Bathtub Safety Seat

Available at Amazon.com

The Fold-Away Dream Baby bath seat makes it easy to position your baby in and out of the seat with a front bar that opens for easy access. I find the front bar that opens to be a very useful feature.

Safety 1^st Tubside Bath Seat

Available at Amazon.com

Washing your baby in the tub can be hard on your back. This bath seat does the swiveling for you, offering easy access to your baby’s front, back, and sides while you stay in one comfortable position.

This seat features an adjustable built-in restraint. Its “unique” arm locks onto the side of the tub to provide more stability for baby and a soft elbow rest for parents. Great bath seat for bathing twins at the same time.

Baby Bath Soaps

All of these well-known baby bath soaps are mild and gentle on baby’s skin. Just squirt a little in baby’s bath water, no need to rinse off before taking baby out of the bath.

Playtex Baby Magic Gentle Baby Bath

Available at Amazon.com

Huggies Natural Care Baby Wash

Available at Amazon.com

Johnson’s Moisture Care Baby Wash

Available at Amazon.com
Available at Target.com

Johnson’s Bedtime Bath

Available at Amazon.com

Aveeno Baby Calming Comfort Bath

Available at Amazon.com

All-in-One Body Wash and Shampoo

If you don’t want to bother with separate baby bath soaps and shampoos, wash your baby from head to toe with one product. All of these products can be added to the bath water. There is no need to rinse baby after using these products.

Playtex Baby Magic Gentle Hair & Body Wash

Available at Amazon.com

Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo

Available at Amazon.com
Available at Target.com

Johnson’s Head-To-Toe Baby Wash

Available at Amazon.com
Available at Target.com

Mustela 2-in-1 Hair and Body Wash

Available at Amazon.com

Aquaphor Gentle Wash & Shampoo

Available at Amazon.com

California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo & Body Wash

Available at Amazon.com

Burts Bees – Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash

Available at Amazon.com

Vapor Bath Products

When your baby has a cold, you want to do everything you can to soothe and comfort her. The menthol vapors of a vapor bath provide soothing comfort for colds and sniffles. I find these products to be very relaxing for a fussy, stuffy baby.

Johnson’s Soothing Vapor Bath

Available at Amazon.com
Available at Target.com

California Baby Colds & Flu Bubble Bath with Aromatherapy

Available at Amazon.com

California Baby Overtired & Cranky Aromatherapy Bubble Bath

Available at Amazon.com
Available at Target.com

Shampoos

Baby’s eyes are sensitive to irritants.  You want to use the mildest of shampoos, and a shampoo that’s tear-free and hypoallergenic. When washing baby’s hair just apply a small amount of shampoo. A little goes a long way.

Johnson’s Baby Shampoo

Available at Amazon.com
Available at Target.com

Mustela Foam Shampoo for Newborns

Available at Amazon.com

Aveeno Baby Essential Moisture Shampoo

Available at Amazon.com

Huggies Natural Care Baby Shampoo

Available at Amazon.com

Cradle-Cap Shampoos

Cradle cap is a condition that causes baby’s scalp to flake. This condition is characterized by a yellowish, scaly crust on baby’s head that’s caused by over-active sweat and oil glands in the scalp. Cradle Cap is not pleasant to look at but is not serious. Gentle treatment with a cradle cap shampoo usually relieves this condition.

Gentle Naturals Baby Cradle Cap Treatment

Available at Amazon.com
Available at Target.com

Bella B Bee Gone Cradle Cap Shampoo

Available at Amazon.com

Baby Cradle Cap Natural Remedy Treatment

Available at Amazon.com

Little Star Happy Halo Cradle Cap Remedy

Available at Amazon.com

Parents often think that they will just use adult towels for baby, but adult towels are too big and cumbersome for a small baby and they don’t have a hood to keep baby’s head nice and warm after a bath. Some hooded towels are thin and not very absorbent. Hooded towels should be made of thick, absorbent terry-cloth or terry velour material. Not only do they absorb more moisture but keep baby nice and warm during the drying process.

SwaddleDesigns Terry Velour Hoodie Towel

Available at Amazon.com
Available at Target.com

SwaddleDesigns Organic Cotton Hooded Towel

Available at Amazon.com

Circo Infant Hooded Bath Towel

Available at Target.com

Infant Circo Bath Wraps

Available at Target.com

Character Towels & Washcloths

Available at Target.com

American Baby Cotton Terry Hooded Towel Set

Available at Amazon.com

Luvable Friends Super-Soft Hooded Bath Wraps

Available at Amazon.com

Fisher Price Rainforest Hooded Towel Set 2-Pack

Available at Amazon.com

Bumkins Organic Cotton Hooded Towel Sets

Washcloths

As with towels, adult washcloths are too big for washing baby’s tiny face and body. Baby washcloths are smaller than standard-size washcloths, which makes them easier to work with when you’re washing your little one. Washcloths should be made of soft, absorbent terry cloth.

SwaddleDesigns Washcloths

Available at Amazon.com

Fisher Price Rain Forest Washcloths Set 4-Pack

Available at Amazon.com

American Baby Company Cotton Terry Wash Cloths

Available at Amazon.com

Luvable Friends 4-Pack Washcloths

Available at Amazon.com

Nuby Soft Cotton Washcloths 4-PK

Available at Amazon.com

Bumkins Organic Cotton Washcloths

Available at Amazon.com
Available at Target.com

Brush and Comb Sets

Whether your baby has a lot or a little bit of hair, and whether it’s straight or curly, thick or fine, a brush and comb make it easy to care for and style. Baby brushes have soft bristles that are gentle on baby’s scalp. Baby combs have fine teeth with rounded tips for pull-free combing.

Sassy Brush & Comb Set

Available at Amazon.com

Nuk Baby’s First Comb and Brush Set

Available at Amazon.com

The First Years Arc Comfort Comb/Brush Set

Available at Amazon.com

Safety 1^st Easy Grip Brush and Comb

Available at Amazon.com

Nuby Comb & Brush

Available at Amazon.com

Cradle Cap Care Kit

A Cradle Cap Care Kit includes unique tools to help you gently and effectively treat your baby’s cradle cap. Use the dual-sided mitt to apply and rub in shampoo or baby oil. Then use the 2-in-1 brush and comb to remove the cradle cap.

Safety 1^st Cradle Cap Care Kit

Available at Perfectlysafe.com
Available at Buybuybaby.com

Baby Nail Scissors

The best time to trim nails is when baby is asleep. These child-sized scissors feature safety rounded tips and easy-grip handles. If you keep baby swaddled and just expose one hand at a time, it will be a much easier process.

Sassy Soft Grip Scissors & Clippers

Available at Amazon.com

Tee-Zed F312 New Baby Safety Scissors

Available at Amazon.com

Baby Nail Clippers

Many parents are afraid to cut little nails because they are hard to see. These nail clippers feature a magnifying lens that makes trimming a child’s tiny, soft nails easier. The Graco Liteup clippers even features a bright LED light so you can see your baby’s nails more easily, you can even cut them in the dark while she sleeps. When clipping tiny, soft nails, be sure to pull back on the finger itself fully exposing the nail, so as not to accidentally clip the tip of the finger.

Safety 1^st Clear View Tweezers & Nail Clipper

Available at Amazon.com

The First Years Deluxe Nail Clipper with Magnifier

Available at Amazon.com

Safety 1^st Fold-Up Baby Nail Clipper

Available at Amazon.com

Emery Boards

If you don’t feel comfortable cutting or clipping your baby’s nails, you can file them with an emery board. Any brand will do.

Grooming Sets

Good grooming habits start by having the right tools for the job. Get everything you need to keep your little one cuter than ever, all in one convenient set.

Safety 1^st Complete Grooming Kit

Available at Amazon.com

Keep baby groomed on the go. Kit includes a soft grip brush, soft grip comb, soft grip toothbrush, baby scissors, fold-up nail clippers, four The complete grooming kit contains 10 essentials items for keeping emery boards and a zippered travel case.

Safety 1^st Detach & Go Grooming Kit

Available at Amazon.com

The Detach & Go Grooming Kit contains 18 essentials items for keeping your baby groomed on the go. The bi-fold case detaches so you can take it everywhere. Kit includes steady grip nail clippers, newborn cradle cap comb, gentle care brush & comb set, 8 emery boards, infant toothbrush/gum stimulator & toddler toothbrush, no scratch mittens (2 pairs) and detach and go travel case.

Health Care Kits

If you think your baby is sick, having the right health care items on hand helps you determine if baby has a temperature, relieve a stuffy nose and administer the right amount of medication. There’s nothing worse, if you think your baby’s sick, than having to run out during this stressful time, to get a thermometer or medicine dropper.

Safety 1^st Complete Health Care Kit

Available at Amazon.com
Available at Target.com

This kit contains 7 essentials items to help when baby is sick. Set includes a digital thermometer and protective case, nasal aspirator, medicine dropper with spill guard, fold-up nail clipper, medicine spoon, emergency contact card and a zippered travel case.

Combination Grooming and Healthcare Kits

Keep everything you need to care for and groom your baby all in one convenient place. These kits contain both grooming and healthcare items for your baby.

Safety 1^st Detach & Go Grooming & Healthcare Kit

Available at Amazon.com
Available at Target.com

This kit includes 25 essential items for good grooming and health. Kit includes gentle care brush and comb set, clear tip nasal aspirator, easy fill medicine syringe, easy fill medicine spoon, toddler toothbrush, steady grip nail clippers, digital thermometer with protective cover, baby scissors, tweezers, 12 emery boards, no-scratch mittens (1 pair) and a detach & go travel case.

The First Years American Red Cross Deluxe Health & Grooming Kit

Available at Amazon.com
Available at Target.com

This set includes labeled holders for each grooming item, an infant brush and comb, sure-grip nail clippers and nail scissors, a fingertip toothbrush and toddler toothbrush, emery boards, a hospital-style nasal aspirator, a digital thermometer with case, a medicine dropper with travel case, a medicine spoon, a medicine dispenser, and a shake-and-see rattle. The zippered case has a storage pocket for extra items

I find having to kneel on a hard floor or resting your elbows on the side of the bath tub to be very painful and uncomfortable. The following accessories will add comfort and ease to the bathing experience for both parents and baby.

Elbow and Knee Savers

Safety 1^st Tubside Kneeler and Step Stool

Available at Amazon.com
Available at Target.com

Enjoy greater comfort as you bathe your baby. Protect your knees and elbows while you’re leaning over the tub at bath time. Tubside Kneeler coverts to a step stool to help your toddler reach the sink. Slip resistant grips help keep tub kneeler and step stool in place. Machine washable bag holds bath accessories.

Aquatopia Deluxe Safety Easy Bath Kneeler

Available at Amazon.com
Available at Target.com

The deluxe extra large Aquatopia safety easy bath kneeler has anti-slip cushioned pad for your knees and extra padding for your elbows. Easy to use, the kneeler unfolds in seconds. Made from water friendly neoprene, it has pockets that are perfect for soaps and shampoos.

Kid Kushion Tub Kushions

Available at Amazon.com

Keep knees and elbows pain and bruise free. Place these soft foam cushions on the floor and side of the tub to cushion knees and elbows while giving your baby a bath. Non slip mat has suction bubbles that grip the floor.

The First Years Sit & Store Parent Bathing Seat & Step stool

Available at Amazon.com

Enjoy greater comfort while bathing your child with this sturdy tub-side seat that doubles as a container for bath toys. Give tired knees a rest and help keep the bathroom clutter free. Side vents encourage air-flow to keep toys dry and mildew-free. Sit and Store adjusts to two heights and can be used as a stable step stool to help older children reach the sink.

Spray Attachments for Bath or Sink

A spray attachment makes it easier to shampoo and rinse baby’s hair without getting water in her face.

Sassy Happy Hippo Bath Shower Spray

Available at Amazon.com

Sassy’s cute Hippo Bath Shower Spray easily attaches to bathtub faucets or kitchen faucets, making bathing baby easier for you and your baby. Not only can you wash and rinse baby’s hair, but rinse baby with clean water before taking him out of the tub. Hippo’s cheeks change colors if water is too hot.

Bath Visors

Little ones don’t like getting water or soap in their eyes. During bath time, visors help keep shampoo away from baby’s face.

Sassy Bath & Sun Visors

Available at Amazon.com

Babies don’t like water in their face or the sun in their eyes. Whether taking a bath, playing outdoors or going to the beach Sassy’s  cute, colorful bath and sun visors help portect your baby’s face and eyes.

Your child will love wearing these adorable bath and sun visors.

Toy Bags and Organizers

I hate a messy bathroom. Toys left in the bath tub or scattered all over the floor. Toys left on the floor can be stepped on or tripped over becoming a safety hazard. Keep the bathroom tidy by storing bath toys in a toy bag. Toy bags use easy-to-install and quick-to-remove suction cups that mount securely to any smooth surface.

Safety 1^st Bath Toy Bag

Available at Amazon.com

Safety 1^st Bath Toy Bag is a colorful stretchy mesh bag with 2 suction cups to conveniently hold the bag with bath toys to the wall, encouraging your child to put his toys away after bath time.

Sassy Bath Toy Organizer

Available at Amazon.com

The Bath Toy Organizer allows you to scoop toys into the basket after bath time is over and hang it from your shower head or curtain rod to keep bath toys clean and organized.  The holes in the Bath Toy Organizer allow toys to drip dry quickly.

Munchkin Bath Friends Toy Organizer

Available at Amazon.com

The Munchkin Bath Friends Toy Organizer has a delightful seascape design that captivates kids. It easily hangs from the tub, walls or showerhead. The mesh bottom lets water drain out so toys are kept clean and dry.

Skip Hop Tubby Bath Toy Organizer

Available at Amazon.com

This toy organizer is made of washable neoprene and mesh. It features a stay put mounting plate with 4 suction cups which secures the bag on tiles or glass.

Tubby allows water toys to dry out and stay mildew free between baths. It’s stretchy, wide mouth makes toys easy to find and grab.

Kidco Bath Storage Basket

Available at Amazon.com
Available at Target.com

Keep all your bath time essentials and toys neatly organized and close-at-hand. Holds bath toys, soap, shampoo and more.

The basket adjusts to fit most standard tubs. Divider separates toys from bath care items.

Bath Thermometers

Prevent accidental scalding by using a bath thermometer, which measures the actual temperature of the water and indicates the ideal range for your baby’s bath. Placing baby in bath water that’s too hot can not only burn baby’s skin but can be very traumatic, making bath time an unpleasant experience for your baby.

Munchkin White Hot Duck Bath Toy

Available at Amazon.com
Available at Target.com

This adorable rubber ducky has a safety disc at the bottom that tells when the water is too hot, then lets you know when it’s safe to put your baby in. And, it’s just the right size for little hands to hold and cuddle.

Safety 1^st Bath Pal Thermometer

Available at Amazon.com

This friendly floating duck helps you make sure baby’s bath water is a comfortable temperature. Along the side is a thermometer that lets you know what the temperature of the water is, so you can adjust it if you need to.

Aquatopia Deluxe Safety Bath Thermometer Alarm

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The Aquatopia deluxe safety bath thermometer alarm constantly and accurately measures the bath temperature every 2 seconds. The thermometer alerts you with an audible alarm if the water is too hot, over 100.4 degrees F, and another alarm if the water is too cold, below 89.6 degrees F.

This battery powered and water activated thermometer automatically activates when placed in water and de-activates when taken out. It is fully tested to meet all necessary safety standards and makes a great toy.

Sassy Temperature Sensing Froggie

Available at Amazon.com

The Temperature Sensing Froggie inspires baby’s imagination as it bobs in the water and frog rotates to float underwater. Froggie features a “Too Hot” indicator to assure that the bath water is a comfortable temperature. Froggies indicator changes color to warn you if bath water is too hot.

Spout Covers

I find using spout covers makes bath time much safer. Soft spout covers guard the entire faucet to protect children from accidental bumps and burns.

Munchkin Bubble Ducky Spout Guard

Available at Amazon.com

It’s America’s #1 selling spout guard. Soft cushiony material protects baby from bumps and burns. Pop the top to dispense bubble bath in the water for super sudsy fun. Easily fits standard bathtub faucets.

Safety 1^st Soft Spout Cover

Available at Amazon.com

The Safety 1st Soft Spout Cover is inflatable and adjustable. It is removable and reusable and will accommodate the shower turn on valve. A safety feature for your toddler in the bathtub.

This soft, inflatable spout cover, with its friendly bath-pal theme, covers the entire tub faucet. Its mildew-resistant material wipes clean easily.

Kel-Gar Tubbly Bubbly

Available at Amazon.com

The soft, vinyl tubbly bubbly fits snugly onto any standard bathtub faucet, without shower diverter switch, to help protect baby from the faucets sharp edges which can also be hot to the touch. Spout can also be used as a bubble bath dispenser.

Skip Hop Moby Bath Spout Cover

Available at Amazon.com

Moby is a cute little whale that brightens up the bathtub while protecting your baby against bumps and bruises in the tub. Moby’s sleek design includes an adjustable fin strap that fits snugly on most tub spouts.

Sassy Froggie Soft Spout Guard

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Soft Spout Guard helps protect against accidental bumps and bruises in the tub and fits easily and securely over most bathtub faucets.

The friendly frog is a happy bathing companion for your child and helps make bath time safer.

Sesame Street Bath Tub Faucet Cover – Elmo

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Elmo Spout Guard Protect your children from bumps, bruises and burns in the bathtub with this adorable Elmo spout cover. Made of flexible durable vinyl, and featuring Elmo in a bubbly tub, this faucet guard will help make bath time safer and more fun! Helps protect little ones from bumps and bruises in the tub Elmo in the tub encourages your kids to bathe!

Transitional Bathtubs

When baby gets too big for his baby bathtub or kitchen sink it’s time to transition to an adult bathtub. Place a transitional bathtub inside an adult-sized bathtub, and baby will feel more comfortable and secure. Transitional bathtubs should only be used for babies that can sit up on their own unassisted. Transitional tubs make bath time easier whether you are at home or traveling.

Munchkin White Hot Safety Duck Tub

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This inflatable, padded tub makes big bathtubs more comfortable for babies and toddlers. The safety disc in the tub turns white when the water is too hot, and the textured surface helps prevent slipping. Perfect for children 6 to 24 months that are able sit upright unassisted. Deflates and folds easily for travel.

Leachco Bath ‘N Bumper Cushioned Bathtub

Available at Amazon.com

The Bath ‘N Bumper makes bathing your child safe and easy. The soft bumper bath fits directly in a full-size tub, surrounding your child with comfy cushioned support. The padded slip-resistant bottom helps prevent slipping and sliding.

Kel-Gar Snug Tub

Available at Amazon.com

The inflatable Snug Tub is your child’s safe, fun comfortable and water-conserving bathtub for use within your preexisting adult tub. The inflatable sides and bottom provide something for your child to hold on to and are less slippery than adult tub surfaces. The padded headrest can be used to safely shampoo toddlers.

Safety 1^st Kirby Inflatable Baby Bathtub

Available at Amazon.com

The Safety 1^st Kirby inflatable tub is designed to provide a cozy environment for a self-sitting baby. It is made of soft vinyl which is easy on your baby’s skin. The recessed drain plug allows quick and easy draining.

Sassy Aquatic Bobbers

Available at Amazon.com

The Sassy Aquatic Bobbers float in the water and the fish and the frog bobble back and forth. Your baby will love the unsinkable bobbers and will have a constant companion for bath time fun. Simply immerse the bobbers in water for bubble sounds and a variety of water straining activities.

Sassy Counting Fish & Net

Available at Amazon.com

Scoop and strain water with each little fish while learning to count! Easy to grasp fish and fishing net are sized just right for little hands.

Each of the colored fish have a number and corresponding holes in the bottom to make scooping and straining water as easy as 1-2-3.

Infantino Chewy Ark

Available at Amazon.com

Your baby will love playing with the four colorful, squeaky animals, a giraffe, elephant, monkey, lion and the ark. When bath time is over, all the animals fit together like a puzzle inside the ark.

Chewy Ark can be played with in the bath, a pool, a sandbox, a carpet or just about anywhere. Babies can play with, or teethe upon the animals, while toddlers can have fun assembling the puzzle pieces.

Fisher-Price Precious Planet Floating Activity Hippo

Available at Amazon.com

This cute little hippo has four fun activities for baby and the attached mesh net belly offers easy cleanup and storage for mom. Each of the hippo’s hands olds a different toy. There’s a flutter ball, a penguin with rattle beads, a turtle strainer and a whale squirter. When bath is done hippo can hang from the shower head or water spout to dry.

Munchkin Ten Squirting Sea Buddies

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These colorful and creative sea buddies are sure to please your little bather. Each captivating creature squirts water for endless laughs and surprises. Get set to get wet.

Munchkin Baby Bath Turtles

Available at Amazon.com

Bring your baby out of his shell at bath time with 4 floating turtles that connect with magnets. Each colorful turtle is its own interactive toy – a mirror for sight, rattle for sound, and balls for rolling and spinning fun. The captivating colors and sounds keep your little one busy while you’re getting him nice and clean.

Sassy Double Duckies

Available at Amazon.com

You can’t have a bath without a rubber ducky and twin rubber duckys are double the fun.

Your little waterbug will love sharing the tub with these two yellow fellows. Twin Rubber Duckies make bathtime a time to look forward to every day. Bright yellow duckies float effortlessly and can squirt water too!

Amazing Animals Tubtime Friends Dolphin and Starfish

Available at Amazon.com

A dolphin, an inner tube and a squirty starfish are all ready to ride the waves, floating in baby’s bath!

Dolphins’ tail and flippers spin with a clicking noise.

Yookidoo Stack ‘N Steam Tub Fountain

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Water-jet powered fun in the tub! Base attaches to the bottom of the tub and draws water up through the center creating a magical fountain for bath time play. As boats and characters are stacked up on the base, the water flows through each one and out the top.

Change the figures on top for different effects. The red boat spins as it sprays, blue boat has a swiveling propeller, octopus spouts in all directions, and scuba pal sprouts hair as he squirts from his mouth. Figures are shaped for interchangeable stacking. Easy for kids to turn on and off by themselves. Just press the orange peek-a-boo button. Boats and characters can float around the tub, too. 3 AA batteries required.

Alex Toys Rub-A-Tub Squirters for the Tub – On the Go Transportation

Available at Amazon.com

Your little boy will love these bath toys. The set includes a fire truck, police car, airplane, boat, and car. Each squirter is perfectly sized for little hands to squeeze.

This toy is recommended for ages 6 months to 5 years.

Sassy Car Wash

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The Sassy Car Wash won the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award and the National Parenting Publication Honors Award.

Floating Car Wash offers over eight imaginative play activities. An oval-shaped roadway features terry cloth sponges, bumps, squishy spinners, and a water squirting nozzle. Car wash includes a squirting car, a truck for scooping and pouring, a car for scooping and straining, and a floating car ferry. This toy is recommended for ages 9 months and up.

Sassy Bathtime Kitchen Sink

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Bathtime Kitchen Sink has won the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award, National Parenting Publication Award and the Iparenting Greatest Products of the Year award. Your little kitchen cleaner upper will have lots of fun in the bath with the Bathtime Kitchen Sink.

Kitchen set includes a terry cloth scrub brush, a bottle that squirts water, a cup for scooping and straining water, and a dish pan for scooping and pouring water. Water can strain from the faucet or squirt from the spray nozzle. This toy is recommended for ages 9 months and up.

The world of toddlers is a busy one. Even though they are frequently on the move, toddlers need books as much as babies do. Now that your child is no longer a baby, but officially a toddler, he is developmentally ready to truly discover the pleasure of books. He now has the attention span of following a basic story line. He can distinguish one character from another and has a more sophisticated ear for language. He is now ready to learn more about the world he lives in.

Make reading time fun. Let you child choose the book he wants you to read, even if it’s the same one over and over again. Read with gusto. Give each character in the story a different voice and act out the parts they play. Stop occasionally and engage your child in the story by asking him some questions. You might ask, “Can you find the balloon the little boy wants to play with,” “Where is the doggie in this picture?” “What kinds of animals do you see at the zoo?” Be patient if your child stops you to ask questions or make comments. And, if he gets tired, even if it’s in the middle of the story, stop reading and finish the story another time.

Enjoy this special time. Sitting in a comfortable chair or on your child’s bed to read a story is one of the best things about being a parent. It’s a great time to cuddle and give your toddler undivided attention. Reading a book with mom or dad before nap time, bed time, or anytime of day, can serve as a great wind-down for active toddlers.

What to Look for When Choosing Books for Toddlers

For toddlers, picture books provide more elaborate plots and illustrations then board books do. Subjects range from ABCs to animals, feelings to favorite characters. Look for large, colorful pictures and simple story lines or rhymes that introduce basic themes and invite conversation.

Touch and feel books provide hands-on teaching activities for toddlers. Touch and feel books are designed to encourage toddlers to explore the world around them. Touch and feel books feature fun, tactile elements on each page which depict objects familiar to toddlers. Touch and feel books reinforce primary learning skills through sensory perception.

Here Are My Favorite Books for Toddler Girls or Boys

Are You My Mother? – by P.D. Eastman

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I love this book. A mother bird leaves her egg in the nest to go look for some food. While she’s gone, the egg hatches, and the baby bird sets off to find his mother, but he doesn’t know what she looks like. His search leads him to ask a variety of animals and machines, “Are You My Mother?” Finally, a crane deposits him back in the nest, where his mother is waiting. Every time I read this book to my children I would get a warm, fuzzy feeling and even a little teary eyed.

Guess How Much I Love You – by Sam McBratney

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I think this is so sweet about how much a father loves his son. During a bedtime game, every time Little Nutbrown Hare demonstrates how much he loves his father, Big Nutbrown Hare gently shows him that the love is returned even more.

The Very Hungry Caterpiller – by Eric Carle

Available at Amazon.com

One sunny day, a caterpillar pops out of an egg. He is very hungry and begins searching for food. He travels along and eats his way through the week, each day eating one more item than the day before. Eventually he becomes a fat caterpillar. The following Sunday he spins a cocoon and goes to sleep. He sleeps for two weeks. When he emerges he has turned into a beautiful butterfly. This book teaches your toddler the days of the week, how to count from one to five, names a number of familiar foods, and traces the life-cycle of a caterpillar.

Is Your Mama a Llama? – by Deborah Guarino

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Children have fun as they follow a llama on a search for his mama. A young llama asks all his friends if their mama is a llama and finds out, in rhyme, that their mothers are other types of animals. Amusing characters include a bat, a swan, a cow, seals, a kangaroo, baby and mother owls, seagulls, turtles, rabbits, koala bears, opossums, and of course, llamas. Colorful pictures and fun animals make this a must-have book.

Baby Baluga – by Raffi

Available at Amazon.com

The text in this book comes from the beloved children’s song “Baby Beluga” by Raffi. It tells the store of a baby beluga whale who lives in the water with his mother and his friends. The whale swims and plays, goes to bed, and then gets up to do it all over again. Children
will get a first, cheerful lesson about the natural world by becoming acquainted with enchanting Baby Beluga.

Harry the Dirty Dog – by Gene Zion

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Harry is a white dog with black spots who loves everything, except baths. So one day before bath time, Harry runs away. He plays outside all day long, digging, sliding in everything from garden soil to pavement tar. By the time he returns home, Harry is so dirty he looks like a black dog with white spots. He is completely unrecognizable to his family, even when he does all his clever flip-flopping tricks. In a stroke of doggy genius, he unearths the bath brush, begs for a bath, and is so happy when his family recognizes him again.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – by Helen Oxenbury

Available at Amazon.com

A father and his four rambunctious children set out to locate one bear. With their boarder collie along they successfully cross the tall, wavy grass, ford the deep cold river, tromp through the mud, wander through the deep, dark forest, brave a whirling snow storm and finally enter the bear’s cave where they find the bear. The bear chases the brave troop back over every place they’ve been before, to the safety of their home. The bear then turns around and goes home.

Mr. Brown Can Moo Can You? – by Dr. Seuss

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This board book is especially fun for the toddler who is just learning to recognize animal and other sounds. Mr. Brown is an expert at imitating all sorts of noises. Listen to the cow’s Moo, the frying eggs’ sizzle, the horse feet clopping, goldfish kissing and the thunders BOOM BOOM BOOM. As usual, the words and pictures of Dr. Suess make reading, and making all sorts of funny noises impossible to resist. In addition you just can’t go wrong with a book from Dr. Suess.

The Napping House – by Audrey Wood

Available at Amazon.com

It’s a rainy night and on a cozy bed lie a snoring granny, a dreaming child, a dozing dog, a snoozing cat, and a tiny slumbering mouse. But then an unexpected visitor arrives, a wakeful flea. When the little flea bites the mouse, it causes a chaotic chain reaction in the bed. Now no one is sleeping. The way the characters pop out of bed is truly entertaining and imaginable.

Counting Kisses – by Karen Katz

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A tired little baby receives all kinds of kisses from Mommy, Daddy, and even Grandma. From “10 little kisses on teeny tiny toes” to one final kiss on the baby’s “sleepy, dreamy head,” parents can bond with their little one by giving the same kisses to their child as the baby in the book receives. This book is a great way to have fun with reading and to share affection with a special child in your life.

Baby Happy Baby Sad – by Leslie Patricelli

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This book creatively helps toddlers understand this pair of emotions. A towering ice-cream cone makes Baby Happy. But when that delectable treat goes splat, it makes Baby Sad. And how quickly Happy turns to Sad when a favorite red balloon flies away! Even the littlest listeners will relate to this playful look at a pair of emotions that are part of every baby’s day.

Yummy Yucky – by Karen Katz

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Learning what is and isn’t ok to put in your mouth is an important part of growing up. Spaghetti is yummy, worms are yucky. Mommy’s cookies are yummy, but her coffee is yucky. Burgers, well those are yummy, but they should not be confused with boogers, which are yucky. The list of contrasts goes on throughout this book. Learning about opposites has never been more fun or funny than with this winning book.

Cookie Count – by Robert Sabuda

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Yum! This delicious counting book offers much more than the numbers one to ten. Each page is a feast of sweet, sugary treats, coconut kisses, peanut-butter cookies, Linzer hearts, and more are carefully concocted and counted by mouse chefs. The tempting desserts are made all the more delectable by brilliant pop-up constructions that leap from the pages, practically into your mouth. Cookie Count is a delicate book. Read it with your child and teach him to be gentle when turning the pages.

Green Eggs and Ham – by Dr. Suess

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Sam-I-Am won’t give up! He keeps trying to get the grumpy grown-up in the story to taste green eggs and ham. No matter how Sam-I-am presents the green eggs and ham, in a box, with a fox, in the rain, on a train, the grumpy grown-up refuses to try them. Finally, Sam-I am’s pesky persistence pays off as the old grouch takes a bite. The old sourpuss’s face lights up as he gratefully acknowledges, “I do like green eggs and ham. Thank you, thank you Sam-I-am!” Try as you might, you can’t resist Sam-I-Am and his Green Eggs and Ham.

The Run Away Bunny – by Margaret Wise Brown

Available at Amazon.com

The little bunny wonders what it would be like to strike out on his own. He dreams of becoming a fish, a bird and even a “crocus in a hidden garden”. With each incarnation he imagines, his mother promises to become a fisherman, a tree and a gardener so that she may still watch over, guide and protect her little bunny. Realizing that his mother’s love is unwavering, the little bunny decides he would be wise to stay home and just be himself.

Corduroy – by Don Freeman

Available at Amazon.com

For any kid who has dreamed of having an empty department store all to himself, Corduroy is a dream come true. This adorable bear has terrific adventures on his way to find his missing button. When all the shoppers have gone home for the night, Corduroy climbs down from the shelf to look for his missing button. He accidentally gets on an elevator that he thinks must be a mountain and sees the furniture section that he thinks must be a palace. He tries to pull a button off the mattress, but he ends up falling off the bed and knocking over a lamp. The night watchman hears the crash, finds Corduroy, and puts him back on the shelf downstairs. The next morning, he finds that it’s his lucky day! A little girl buys him with money she saved in her piggy bank and takes him home to her room. Corduroy decides that this must be home and that Lisa must be his friend.

Children are never too young for you to read to them. Even though a newborn baby won’t understand the words, just the sound of your voice alone is very soothing and reassuring. I know a father, a lawyer by profession, who spent an hour each night reading his briefs to his newborn baby. The act of reading to your baby is more important than the book you choose. A warm lap and the rhythmic sound of a familiar voice is what matters most to baby.

Reading to children is more than a great way to entertain them. Reading to your baby is a great way to boost development and early reading skills. Studies show that young children that are read to every day learn to read earlier and with greater ease. Books can become not only one of your baby’s favorite playthings but also a key to language development.

There is no better way for a parent, grandparent or babysitter to get a child settled into bed then to pull out a favorite picture book or story. Then instead of bedtime becoming something for children to dread and fight against, it becomes an enjoyable time when child and caregiver can unwind and be close to each other. Often a young child will drift off to sleep with happy characters and thoughts on their minds to dream about.

What to Look for When Choosing Books for Newborns

Certain visuals and text hold the attention of newborns. The eyesight of newborns is a work in progress. They see best from a distance of approximately one foot. When choosing books for your newborn or infant, select books with bold images. Look for patterns (stripes, polka dots, checkers) and black-and-white illustrations or photos, with few or even no words at all.

For infants,  books are not merely for looking at. Babies tend to taste, toss and tear their books. Even sturdy cardboard books may not survive this search-and-destroy stage. Cloth and vinyl make good chewable books.  Babies love to turn pages, point to pictures and even taste their books.

Here are my favorite children’s books that newborns respond to best.

White on Black – by Tana Hoban

Available at Amazon.com

The first colors your baby sees are black and white. This wordless book of white shapes on a black background is perfect for young babies, who love looking at bold, contrasting colors while their eyes are developing. Black illustrations on a white background provide high contrast for infant’s underdeveloped eyes. Soothingly familiar, silhouetted shapes, a leaf, a key ring, a bib, an elephant, will be recognized by the very young, and through simple pictures, aspiring readers will begin to identify the link between the objects they see and the words their caregivers say. Share the pictures of these familiar objects with your baby. It is never too early to look and talk together.

Look, Look! – by Peter Linenthal

Available at Amazon.com

I love this sturdy little board book, full of high-contrast black-and-white cut-paper art perfect for staring at, just the thing for the eyes of the youngest babies. A few words in curving red type on each spread describes the scenes. Baby will love looking at children playing, fish swimming, stars shining, a car racing, a cat scratching, flowers blooming. Look Look! is the ideal first board book for babies just beginning to look and learn. This is a great book to place in front of your baby at tummy time.

Let’s Play – by Leo Lionni

Available at Amazon.com

Here’s a perfect book for very young babies. This is such a fun book that encourages exploring the world and enjoying everything the day might have to offer. “What shall we do today?” two mice ask each other. “Read a book? Pick flowers? Go Swimming? Play ball? Climb a tree or gather leaves?” Award-winning graphic art is at its best in this very simple board book that can be shared with a baby or toddler.

Good Night Moon – by Margaret Wise Brown

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There’s no denying that this bedtime classic deserves space on every child’s bookshelf. Goodnight Moon is the all-time best-selling board book. Generations of children have loved this book since it was first published in 1947. In lulling language, the author gives an account of a little bunny whose green bedroom grows increasingly darker as he goes through his nightly routine of saying good night to his room and all the familiar things visible in it. Looking for all the objects the bunny names is a fun way for children to interact with this book. At the end the little bunny succumbs to slumber, secure that all the things inside his room and visible through his window will still be there when he awakens. Your little one will also want to say good night to the special things in his room.

Pat the Bunny (Touch and Feel Book) – by Dorothy Kunhardt

Available at Amazon.com

The all-time best-selling interaction book is Pat the Bunny. Your baby can participate with Paul and Judy in seven activities. They can pat the bunny’s fake fur, lift a small cloth to play peek-a-boo, smell the scented flower illustration, see a reflection in the shiny film, feel the sand paper representing Daddy’s scratchy face, look at a tiny seven-page bunny book within this book and poke their finger in the hole that represents Mommy’s wedding ring. Simple line drawings and pastel colors make this an easy book for even infants to focus on. The double-folded cardboard pages, inside which the textured objects are attached, will withstand repeated use.

Dear Zoo – by Rod Campbell

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An adorable storyline with pictures to match: A child writes to the zoo to request a pet, and a series of animals are delivered but rejected for one reason or another by the child. The elephant is too big, the lion is too fierce, the monkey is too naughty, and the frog is too jumpy. At the end of the book the child receives a small hamper with a note, “From all your friends at the zoo” containing the perfect pet, a puppy. With delight, the child accepts his perfect little pet.

Good Night, Gorilla – by Peggy Rathmann

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With very few words, but the most expressive illustrations, this book tells the store of a mischievous gorilla who borrows the zoo keeper’s keys and as the zoo keeper is completing his rounds, the gorilla lets the animals out. The gorilla, with all the animals following him, ends up in the zoo keeper’s bedroom, and the little gorilla even snuggles next to the sleepy wife as she turns off the lights. When all of the creatures respond to the wife’s “Good night dear,” they are exposed.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? – by Bill Martin Jr.

Available at Amazon.com

This is another classic children’s book. A big happy frog, a plump purple cat, a handsome blue horse, and a soft yellow duck all parade across the pages of this delightful book. The book features repetitive questions about animals and colors that your child will soon be able to answer before you even turn the page.

The Going to Bed Book – by Sandra Boynton

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Sandra Boynton is one of my favorite children’s book authors. What better way to soothe your baby to sleep than with a book that makes going to bed fun. Her whimsical and hilarious style features zany animal characters, such as the elephant, moose, and pig getting ready for bed aboard a giant boat. Children will see their own bedtime routine as fun when they see the animals prepare for bed by taking a bath, finding their pajamas, brushing their teeth, and finally rocking to sleep in the ark. The simple rhymes, goofy animals, and sweet lyrics make for a memorable reading experience.

Where’s Spot – by Eric Hill

Available at Amazon.com

This book focuses on mama dog Sally’s search for her wayward pup Spot, who is late for supper. Is the precocious puppy hiding behind the door, under the bed, or in a cabinet? Each page finds Sally in a different part of the house, and contains a lift-up-flap that hides a different animal in each room. Your child will love lifting the flaps and saying “no” each time it isn’t Spot and then saying “yay!” when it is.

Where is Baby’s Belly Button – by Karen Katz

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This is a wonderful first book to enjoy with your baby. Karen Katz’s adorable babies play peek-a-boo in this delightful interactive book. The sturdy format and large, easy-to-lift flaps are perfect for parents and baby to share. Karen’s playful text and vibrant, patterned illustrations keep babies mesmerized as they search for Baby’s hand, eyes, feet, and much more.

Daddy Kisses – by Anne Gutman

Available at Amazon.com

There are so many books for mommy and baby it’s nice to see a book especially for daddies and baby. What could be cuter than seeing adorable baby animals snuggling with their daddies. Daddy animals kiss their babies in different places. After displaying several different daddy animals kissing their babies, the book ends with a human daddy kissing his baby all over. This is a sweet book and a fun way to initiate playful affection between father and baby.