Baby's first books Jane Kemp Even very young babies like books - just make sure you pick the right ones.

Start young

You can enjoy looking at books with your baby from a young age - just sit her on your lap and show her each page in turn, talking about each picture. Before you start, make sure she isn't tired, hungry or uncomfortable. And if she gets restless, stop - a baby's concentration span is very short.

Choosing the right book

Birth to three months - newborn babies can't see particularly well, but they do like to look at faces and distinct patterns with sharp outlines. Look for black and white cloth books.

Three to four months - babies can see more clearly now. Cloth books with one big picture on each page are best, as your baby can enjoy feeling and squishing the pages.

From six months - move on to board books. Look for ones that are small enough for your baby to hold and that have large, clear, colourful pictures.

Look for subjects that interest babies

Look for subjects that interest babies. These include other babies, toys, animals and their sounds, nursery rhymes, and familiar experiences, such as meals and bathtime.

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