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My sister-in-law welcomed a beautiful baby girl last Fall, and to celebrate her arrival, her book club hosted a Book Sprinkle. I thought it was such a thoughtful (and adorable!) idea. Instead of traditional gifts, guests brought books to help build the baby’s first library – and because my sister-in-law is an avid reader, it was the perfect way to celebrate her growing family.
I’ve also seen more and more people asking what books make great baby shower gifts, especially for families who already have plenty of baby gear. So, whether you’re attending a baby shower, baby sprinkle, or looking for a meaningful gift for a new mom, here are some of my favorite books for both mom and baby.
Books for Mom
New babies often receive plenty of attention at baby showers (and rightfully so!), but moms need support and encouragement too. These books offer practical advice, emotional support, and reminders that motherhood is a journey – not something you have to navigate perfectly.
The New Mom’s Guide to Life with Baby by Susan Besze Wallace
This is the book I recommend most often for a new mom. It was one of the first books I bought after becoming a mom, and it connected with me in a way many traditional new mom books didn’t. While I had already read all the “what to expect” guides, this one focused on me – my emotions, my new identity, and the mental load of early motherhood. It normalizes everything from joy to overwhelm and includes practical advice alongside reflections from other moms. Each chapter ends with thoughtful journal prompts, which made it feel especially personal and grounding during that season.
On Becoming Baby Wise by Gary Ezzo and Dr. Robert Bucknam
As someone who appreciates routine and predictability, I found this book helpful for establishing a rhythm with a new baby. It focuses on the balance between sleeping, eating and playing while encouraging parents to pay attention to their baby’s cues and adjust as needed.
There are also other books in this series, including On Becoming Baby Wise 2, On Becoming Pretoddler Wise and On Becoming Toddler Wise.
Opening “Baby Wise” at my own baby shower
What to Expect – the First Year by Heidi Murkoff
This is the classic baby reference guide many parents know and love. Organized month-by-month, it covers milestones, common challenges, health questions, and everyday parenting concerns. It’s a great resource to keep nearby those first twelve months.
Magic of Motherhood by Ashlee Gadd
This collection of essays from the Coffee + Crumbs community captures the beauty, humor, and heartbreak of motherhood in an authentic way. Some pieces will make you laugh; others might bring you to tears, but all of them will leave you feeling seen and understood. It’s the kind of book you can pick up and read in small moments but still feel deeply connected to.
So God Made a Mother: Tender, Proud, Strong, Faithful, Known, Beautiful, Worthy, and Unforgettable–Just Like You by Leslie Means
This is a collection of essays centered on the many roles and identities that come with motherhood. While I haven’t read it yet, it’s in my TBR pile. From what I’ve seen, it’s filled with encouraging, faith-based reflections that speak to both the beauty and the weight of being a mom.
Books for Baby
Babies don’t need long stories to enjoy reading. The best books for babies are:
- Short and easy to follow
- Bright and colorful
- Interactive, with textures, flaps, or repetitive phrases
- Fun for parents to read again and again
Here are some books that my boys reached for again and again as babies.
My mom reading to my firstborn at ~1 week old
Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle
This adorable truck and his animal friends have become a favorite in many households. With bright illustrations, fund sounds, and a sweet message about friendship, it’s a book babies and toddlers will enjoy reading over and over.
If your family loves this one, there are several more books in the series, including Little Blue Truck Leads the Way, Good Night, Little Blue Truck, and Little Blue Truck’ Feeling Happy.
First 100 Words by Roger Priddy
This bright, colorful board book helps babies begin connecting words with pictures and objects. With simple images and familiar items, it’s easy for parents to engage little ones by asking questions like, “Where’s the ball?” or “Can you find the dog?” It’s a great choice for building early vocabulary while encouraging interaction between parent and baby.
My oldest with his book basket
I Love You Stinky Face Lisa McCourt
A playful and imaginative story about a mother’s unconditional love, this book is sure to bring smiles and giggles. Kids love the silly “what if” scenarios, while parents love the sweet reminder that nothing could change how much they love their child. It’s a fun read-aloud book that often becomes a family favorite.
Dr. Seuss’s ABC: An Amazing Alphabet Book! by Dr. Seuss
With silly rhymes, memorable characters, and playful illustrations, this classic introduces children to letters and sounds in a fun way. It’s a great early learning book that helps build alphabet awareness while keeping little ones entertained.
Barnyard Dance! By Sandra Boynton
This lively board book combines adorable farm animals, catchy rhymes, and a fun rhythm that makes it perfect for reading aloud. Babies and toddlers love hearing the repetition, and parents will enjoy making the story come alive with different voices and sounds.
My older son (2 years old) “reading” to my younger son (2 weeks old)
I Love My Mommy Because Laurel Porter Gaylord
This sweet book celebrates all the little ways a mother shows love to her baby. With charming illustrations and a heartwarming message, it makes a thoughtful baby shower gift, especially for a new mom who will treasure those early bonding moments.
10 Little Ladybugs by Melanie Gerth
This interactive counting book is a favorite for little hands. As the story progresses, raised ladybugs “disappear,” encouraging babies to touch, explore, and participate in the story. It’s a fun way to introduce counting while keeping young readers engaged.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
One of my favorite “gifts” for the new baby isn’t something you wrap at all – it’s access to books. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides FREE books to children from birth through age 5.
Click here to sign up for the Imagination Library.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re attending a baby shower, baby sprinkle, or simply looking for a thoughtful gift for a new parent, books are a gift that grows with a child. A favorite story can become part of bedtime routines, family traditions, and childhood memories.
And the best part? Long after the baby outgrows the clothes and toys, those books will still have a place on the shelf.
🌟 Come hang out with me for daily bookish chats on Facebook or Instagram!
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