With soft, squishy pages and eye-catching graphics, cloth books make perfect first reads for baby bookworms.
Cloth books are made of fabric and packed with sensory elements, like crunchy corners, delicate details and bold colours. From the first page to the last, they stimulate the senses and help little ones learn basic literacy and fine motor skills. But the best bit? There are endless designs out there to suit every bubba’s interests and styles.
To help get baby’s first library on the ‘write’ track, we’ve curated a selection of Australia’s most adorable fabric books and put them into a handy list.
Types of fabric books
High contrast – These unmissable little reads use high-contrast black and white or coloured tones to stimulate the senses and keep babies enthralled longer.
Touch and feel – Many fabric books for babies include fun textured elements for babies to explore, from silky to fluffy and everything in between. Three-dimensional additions like tassels also give bubs a thrill and help develop sensory awareness.
Lift-the-flap – Flaps are always a hit with older bubs and their curious digits. Not only it is exciting to discover what’s hidden underneath, but the action of pinching and lifting sections helps develop fine motor skills.
Clip-on books – If your mini loves to read on while you’re on the move, look for options that come with rings or clips. Simply attach one to your stroller or car seat and bub’s entertainment is sorted!
12 cloth books for curious babies
Make baby’s introduction to literacy captivating and fun with a fab set of cloth books made especially for little hands.
In no particular order, here are 12 cloth books worthy of a spot in any child’s library.
Curious Columbus
Curious Columbus Quiet Books (from $45)
Interactive and un-put-downable, Curious Columbus Quiet Books are award-winners for a reason. In a choice of themes, they contain tactile play elements to get little fingers moving. They’re suitable for ages three and up and zip together for easy travels.
Liewood
Liewood Fabric Books (from $72)
Beautifully created to stimulate the curiosity of little minds, Liewood Fabric Books are keepsakes to treasure. Each book is made using organic cotton and contains crackling fillings and exciting textured elements. Choose from Sea Creatures for Safari Mix.
Finch & Folk
Finch & Folk Quiet Books (from $59.95)
In a choice of numbers, alphabet and animals, Finch & Folk Quiet Books are made using certified organic cotton and measure up to 27cm on their longest side. We don’t know what we love more, the beautiful, high contrast imagery or the oversized format!
Cam Cam
Cam Cam Soft Fabric Book Forest Theme ($34.95)
Illustrated in soft pastel hues, this Scandi delight is as pretty as it is practical. Double-sided, it features stunning imagery and crinkle paper for a delicious sound effect. There are two themes to choose from, both made from 100% organic cotton.
Lamaze
Lamaze Fun with Colour Soft Book ($17)
Designed to take from the car to the pram and back again, this novelty cloth book from Lamaze oozes fun features. There are squeakers and crinkles, rattles and flaps – there’s even a discovery mirror for getting the giggles going.
Konges Sløjd
Konges Sløjd Fabric Books ($68.95)
Exquisitely crafted from 100% organic cotton, these Danish beauties boast crinkly pages, 3D elements and a very handy loop clip for attaching to your stroller. Suitable from birth, they are chemical-free and come in a choice of three timeless themes.
Wee Gallery
Wee Gallery Cloth Books for Babies (from $15.75)
A wee bit cute and oh-so-giftable, this organic cloth book collection includes something for every bub. Choose from high-contrast black and white imagery, colourful vehicle books and sweet bedtime books they’ll want to read on repeat.
My Family Book
My Family Book Luxury Soft Books for Babies (from $25)
Designed with love here in Australia, these luxurious double-sided fabric books feature high-contrast designs to stimulate cognitive development. Each is crafted from 100% cotton and corn fibre filling and perfectly sized for curious little hands.
The World of Eric Carle
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Snuggly Cloth Book ($19.99)
It’s an undisputed classic and a must for any little reader’s bookshelf. This snuggly edition of The Very Hungry Caterpillar features ultra-soft pages for easy turning and imagery to pore over. The 3D elements on the cover are too cute for words!
Parenti Pacek
Parenti Pacek High Contrast Baby Books (from $28.46)
Handmade in Poland from OEKO-TEX certified materials, these dynamic books stimulate young eye muscles and help babies develop skills of observation and hand-eye coordination. Machine washable, they ship free to Australia.
Melissa & Doug
Melissa & Doug The Wonderful World of Peekaboo ($32.95)
Crackly, squeaky and packed with fun, this machine-washable fabric book is suitable for bubs of all ages and stages. There are five jungle friends to discover in each scene and lots of novelty peekaboo flaps to enjoy again and again.
Coolplay
Coolplay Set of 6 Cloth Baby Books ($23.99)
With six titles in one handy set, you’ll be able to keep a book in all of bub’s favourites spots around the house. Each book features a sound button, hanging loop and non-toxic, tear-resistant silk fabrics. Now, which to read first?
This article is curated by our Editors and includes affiliates and/or paid inclusions. See our Disclosure Policy.
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