Indestructibles

Since her older brother Wiley is learning to read right now, we spend a lot of time looking at books, talking about them, being “read” to (recalling from memory more than actually processing the words on the page). I just marvel at the progress he is making, every day a few more of the pieces of the reading puzzle fall in line and I imagine by this summer, he’ll truly be reading books to his little sister. Right now however, most of the time, Piper just wants to eat the book. I want to encourage her interaction with books and keep it positive, (thank you Mem Fox for your fantastic advice on this subject) but sometimes, especially with soft cover books, it is a little … err… mushy…

So I was delighted when I found this book at my local Books Inc. today. They are called “Indestructibles” and they are built for the way babies read. Invented by a mom of triplets, they won’t tear, they are safe to chew or “mouth,” non toxic, and washable. I couldn’t wait to share this exciting purchase with the family! I gave it to Piper as soon as we arrived back at home. Ironically, she had NO interest in putting this book in her mouth, but any of the other books we present to her get a a friendly gnaw… Ah well, I still think the books are really novel! (no pun intended). We’ll keep this one in the rotation. Tomorrow I imagine she’ll love it and will have nothing to do with the leftover Risotto.

Fiber anyone?

So when it comes to baby showers for first time moms like the one I attended today for my cousin, I just can’t resist buying my favorite gift–books. Now I suppose there is still an element of savvy here. I have learned which books make the best gifts for the little ones and I am not just talking about the title of the book, but also how the book is made.

Here are my suggestions for truly memorable baby shower / new baby gifts. WARNING: these will very will get you a lot of attention at the shower. The mom to be will probably gush for several minutes. It may so impress the new parents you may be tapped later to serve as the child’s godparent. Okay, with that in mind, let’s proceed.

• “Soft books” (also called plush books or quiet books) are a great choice for babies from birth to one year. During most of this time babies explore their world by touch, whether it’s with their chubby little hands (so cute!) or those drooly little mouths (erupting with teeth-ouch!). One of my favorite places to purchase these soft books is www.etsy.com. Here you can find all manner of these cloth books already made, OR kits available for download that will walk you through how to make one yourself (again see warning above). Shop early as customization is also available. I like the one pictured in particular because it is has wonderful textured pages and at seven months my little one loves exploring texture. I love to watch her scratch at the pages and marvel at her reaction to the different sensations. The topic is shoes too which was perfect for the expecting fashionista. Best of all many of these books are washable! And they are not made of plastic nor do they require batteries. Hallelujah!
• Board books are another great choice for the very little ones as if you attempt to read the conventional book, pages tend to get malled by those chubby hands and drooly mouths. The pages are extra sturdy and also make it easier for the them to grasp and as their fine motor skills develop, eventually turn the pages. I have found that in those first months with my own kids they are drawn to real photographs moreso than illustrated books. As such the Baby Food and Dog Food books by Joost Elffers are two of my all-time favorite board books. I also love that they are not yet so well known that you run the risk of being the “duplicate” at a shower. This may be a bit selfish, but they are also fun for adults too! I get such a kick out of how the photos and the clever puns that make up the very simple text. There are several in the series: Baby Food, Dog Food, Fast Food. I am rediscovering them again with my seven month old. We currently have the Baby Food book next to her high chair and read it before meals.

Over the years I have received many heartfelt thank you notes or hugs from friends that have received these books. I really LOVE giving them and when I do, I always recal the joy the book gave me as I read it to my own little ones. I hope like me, they come to cherish the evening ritual of books before bed. Their little one, squeaky clean from an evening bath, dressed in the warm footed pj’s, seated on their lap with their back pressed against your chest and listening intently (or gnawing contentedly as is the case with my seven month old who is teething!).

As we all try to be a little more “thoughtful” about our purchases, books like these are also an eco-friendly gift. They work for boys and girls equally, can be passed on to the next child, and later recycled.