How to Raise a Baby Reader

If you want to raise a reader, then you want a book in their hands as soon as possible. But are books safe for your baby? The real question is: what type of book is safest for even the littlest of hands?

Experts say that board books are the best way to introduce babies to reading. So let's take a look at why parents should stock their babies' bookshelves with quality board books.

Board Book vs. Hard Cover Book

A hardcover book is exactly what it sounds like. It's a book that is designed with a hardcover, but it has traditional paper pages inside. If you are a book collector, you most likely prefer hardback books over paperbacks because they're more durable. The outside cover works to protect the inner pages and the pages are bound with stitching or glue.

However, hardcover books only work well to protect the inner pages when adults treasure them. Babies and toddlers can easily rip and tear the inner pages leaving the hardcover intact but the pages destroyed. This is just one of the reasons why board books are recommended for babies – they are made to withstand all of your baby's chomping, tossing, tearing, and more.

In comparison, a board book is a subgenre of the picture book that is designed for the youngest of children. The entire board book, even the inner pages, is made of highly durable paperboard that is specially folded and bound. Even the corner pages are rounded out as to not harm any curious babies.

Why Board Books are Safer for Babies

Designed for babies from birth to age 3, board books are safer than their counterparts. They fit perfectly in their little hands, can be easily held, turned, stacked, and tossed. However, babies also like to explore everything with their mouths, which is one of the reasons why board books are safer. You'd rather have them chew the corner of a board book than munch and swallow pieces of paper.

Additionally, Pint Size Productions uses safe materials, board books are coated with either gloss UV or Aqueous matte coating.

Board Book Mounting and Pasting Production Line

Board Book Cover Casing In Machine

Board Books Nurture a Love of Reading

The NY Times suggests, 'Becoming a reader starts as soon as your baby pays attention to board books.' The unique design of a board book is the perfect introduction to reading. They allow babies to explore the text and pictures with each of their senses safely. By showing babies that reading is fun and that they can play with books, you are fostering an early love of reading.

Board books also provide precious bonding opportunities. Highlights magazine explains, "Intimate moments spent sharing simple board books with baby help build listening and visual skills that form the basis for independent reading later on." With illustrations and a few words, board books offer plenty of 'point and say' opportunities.