Children's reading lists

Essential books for your baby’s first year

It’s never too early to encourage a love of reading, and books are a fantastic way to stimulate your baby’s ever-expanding brain at all stages of their development.

A picture of several books for babies in their first year on a bright yellow background
Image: Alex Francis/Penguin

From newborn to toddler, a baby’s first year is a busy one. As they start to engage with the world around them, their little brains are working constantly. Those early months can feel like a whirlwind of milestones, but with every baby developing at a different rate, there is one ‘first’ it is definitely worth making time to experience together: baby’s first book. So, here are our top picks for every age and stage in your baby's first year! 

Books for your newborn (0-3 months)

Books for your infant (3-6 months)

Books for your baby (6-12 months)

Gift books for new arrivals

What do you think of these recommendations? Is there anything you’d like to see more of on the website? Send any suggestions to: childrenseditor@penguin.co.uk

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