Books! But waterproof!

Hello again!

Here is Part 3 of my Reading to Babies series (it’s a series now, I guess?). Bath time is a blast for bonding and helping your little one learn, and waterproof books are like the coolest toys for that. They’re tough as nails, so no worries about splashes, nibbles, or even a dunk in the tub. Here’s why they’re so awesome:

Why Waterproof Books Are the Bomb:

• They’re practically indestructible. No need to stress about rips or tears – these books can take it all.
• Cleaning them is a breeze. Just a quick rinse with soap and water, and they’re good as new. I definitely recommend making sure you dry them very well and make sure to check them once in a while for holes/tears. One of ours grew mold because we didn’t realize there was a tiny hole in one of the pages (yikes!).
• They’re lightweight and portable. Toss ’em in your bag and take the fun wherever you go. We have taken some of baby L’s books to the pool, too. 

How to Pick the Best Waterproof Books:

• Think about your baby’s age and interests. Get books that are just right for their stage and what they love.
• Durability is key. Make sure the books are made to last through all the splashing and chewing.
• Check for safety. Look for books made with non-toxic materials.

Tips for Reading Waterproof Books:

• Make it a fun time. Bath time is all about bonding and having a blast, so let the books be part of the party. Baby L looks forward to bathtime now that she can choose the books she can take to the tub. 
• Get into character. Use different voices for the characters in the book – it’ll keep your little one entertained.
• Point out the pictures. Talk about the illustrations in the book with your baby. It’s a great way to teach new words and ideas. Some verbs (action words) I like to incorporate are: splash, wash, rub, open, close, scoop, out, blow (we blow on the foam from her shampoo). 
• Let your baby explore. Let them interact with the books in their own way. They might want to chew on them, splash them in the water, or just look at the pictures.

My Faves for Bath Time Stories:

• Rainbow Bath – published by Baby Einstein
• Animals in the Water – My First Noisy Bath Book by Caroline Davis (The little rattle inside the book was a good distraction for Baby L – she wasn’t too big of a fan of bathtime at first)
• The Rainbow Fish Bath Book by Marcus Pfister – (Shiny!)
• Barnyard Bath! – by Sandra Boynton (We take baby L’s farm animals and wash them as we flip the book’s pages)

Happy reading!