What To Look For
Babies have a short attention span. Therefore, the books you choose for them should be relatively short in length. Books that have a lot of pictures and interactive features will both stimulate your baby's brain and ignite curiosity. Books that make sounds, have pull features or lift-flaps will interest your baby the most. "Parents" magazine's top five choices include "Pat the Bunny," "Goodnight Moon," "Go, Dog, Go, "Goodnight, Gorilla" and "Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?"
Common Pitfalls
When shopping for books for your baby, keep in mind that some books have loose parts. While most books are made "baby-proof," it's always best to go through the book with the baby; never leave the child alone with it. Babies like to gnaw on book corners; dyes and inks from the book can be ingested.
Where To Buy
The best places to purchase baby books are found either online or in local consignment bookstores. Online sites like Amazon.com or Ebay.com offer a variety of baby books at low prices. Local book consignors will have inexpensive books as well. Major retailers such as Borders Books or Barnes & Noble have discounted sections where books are priced as low as $0.99.
Cost
When purchased brand-new, baby books can cost anywhere from $1 to $20. You may find higher-priced books at some locations but most will fall within this price range. Some bookstores offer reward programs where you can build points for store credit. Other places will send you coupons via direct mail or email if you sign up with their mailing lists.
Comparison Shopping
Brand-new baby books are usually sold for about the same price at any location. The true comparison shopping comes in when you are purchasing used books. This is because the condition of the book changes its price value. Gently used books will be cheaper than brand-new ones and very used books will be cheaper than gently used books.
Accessories
Baby books will sometimes come with a carrying case or a storage container. This is most common with books sets. You can purchase carrying cases separately at any bookstore.
Insider Tips
Before purchasing a book, check with your local library. Sometimes they have it in stock for you to check out. This will give you and your baby the chance to discover whether or not you like it. Check a store's return policy if you order books online. That way you can easily return a book if it doesn't meet your expectations.
