Baby Says
Bright, clear photos of adorable babies illustrate familiar experiences from smelling something “Stinky!” to laughing and playing.
Best Books for Babies 2023
The Best Books for Babies Committee has been meeting annually since 2000 to select and celebrate excellent books for the very youngest listeners.
The list is meant to encourage parents and other caregivers to read to babies right from the start—because learning begins at birth. We also want to recognize the authors, illustrators and publishers who focus on creating quality materials for babies ages birth to 18 months.
Among the committee members are librarians, child development specialists, educators, and others with an interest in promoting literacy and learning. Some members have participated since the beginning. Others joined for the first time this year. Whatever their tenure on the committee, all committee members have valuable insights and opinions to share.
Our list of ten best books actually numbers 16 this year with several sets of books included. Among these are two companion books about an energetic, beaming baby, four nature-themed board books, and a pair of foldout books that feature colorful patterns. We believe that these and the other books on the list will delight and engage babies age birth through 18 months and the adults who care for them.
So, pick up one (or more!) of these titles soon and share them with a baby in your life. While you are enjoying some cozy time together, you’ll also be doing the important work of preparing your baby’s brain to learn and grow.
You can sign up for a free library card here. If you are new to our eResources, check out these tutorial videos on how to get started.
Looking for a good book, album, movie or TV show? We’re happy to recommend them to you! Use this Personalized Recommendations form to send us some information about what you like and we’ll curate a list just for you.
If you have any additional questions, you can contact a librarian through Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. You can also call us at 412.622.3114 or email us at info@carnegielibrary.org.
Download a PDF of 2023’s Best Books for Babies.
Tummy Time
Bright, clear photos of adorable babies illustrate familiar experiences from smelling something “Stinky!” to laughing and playing.
Bear Has a Belly
Appealing photographs of animals and children focus on different body parts while the straightforward text encourages interaction.
Hat On, Hat Off
Getting ready for an outing is pure fun in this look at all the choices a cheerful child has for bundling up.
I’m Still Up!
Energy radiates from the words and pictures in this funny pair of stories about getting up and (however reluctantly) going to bed.
A Kiss Is Coming
Cuddly animals and rhyming words fill this cozy story meant to prepare listeners for bedtime and remind them of their parents’ love.
Listen Up! Train Song
Crisp photographs and rhythmic words highlight all kinds of trains.
Now You See It! Meadow
Vibrant patterns will draw the attention of young infants; clever cutouts create images of animals that offer plenty to talk about as baby grows.
Now You See It! Ocean
Vibrant patterns will draw the attention of young infants; clever cutouts create images of animals that offer plenty to talk about as baby grows.
Now You See It! Rainforest
Vibrant patterns will draw the attention of young infants; clever cutouts create images of animals that offer plenty to talk about as baby grows.
Now You See It! River
Vibrant patterns will draw the attention of young infants; clever cutouts create images of animals that offer plenty to talk about as baby grows.
Sea
These books can be enjoyed page by page or folded out for playtime or tummy time; varying textures and patterns encourage touching as well as viewing the brightly colored designs and pictures.
Sky
These books can be enjoyed page by page or folded out for playtime or tummy time; varying textures and patterns encourage touching as well as viewing the brightly colored designs and pictures.
You Are Getting Sleepy
Charming soft illustrations focus on a smiling infant who is enjoying familiar bedtime routines with loving parents.