This post is all about books to read to a baby in the womb. 

30 Best Books (By Mood) to Read to Baby in Womb

Are you expectant parents? If so, congratulations! Let’s talk about books to read to your baby while he or she is still cozy in mama’s belly.  

Did you know that there are many benefits of reading to your unborn baby? Not only does it help their language skills, but it also helps develop a strong bond between mother and baby. 

if you feel silly and NEED A LAUGH

Pregnancy can be stressful. Taking time to laugh and be silly can be a great source of stress relief. Reading silly books to your unborn child has its benefits too. These books below will surely put a smile on your face.

Gotta Go, Buffalo

by Haily and Kevin Meyers

Gotta Go, Buffalo reminds us that there are so many ways to say goodbye! This book features flaps to lift, which will be perfect for your unborn child very soon! Babies love to explore books and this will surely be a fun one to explore.

But First, We Nap

by David W. Miles

An expectant mother deserves to read a book that is an ode to the wonderful (and very coveted) pastime of napping, especially towards the end of pregnancy! This is a quick but fun read and will certainly make you smile. When your new baby comes into the world, expectant parents will surely enjoy this one together. Read this one with an older sibling and get ready to make some silly sound effects. Everyone will love it!

P is for Pterodactyl: The Worst Alphabet Book Ever

by Raj Haldar & Chris Carpenter 

This book is not meant to help your little one learn about the relationship between letters and sounds – but it sure is funny! We all know that the English language has some quirks when it comes to reading and spelling. This book is funny and quirky – perfect for all ages. The illustrations are colorful and engaging. The clever wordplay will make this a book to read for all ages.

I’m Bored

by Michael Ian Black

I’m Bored is a relatable book about a young girl who is bored and looking for something to do. The illustrations in this book are cute and clever. This story is perfect for expectant parents to read with older children together. It might lead to some very funny and clever discussions!

The Dumb Bunnies

by Dav Pilkey

I first read this book to a class of first graders, and we could not stop laughing! It’s a little irreverent, but you will certainly laugh because it is so ridiculous. The book is a parody of some traditional children’s books. The humor in The Dumb Bunnies will appeal to all ages – children and adults!

if you want to learn about parenting 

If you are a first-time expectant parent (and even a seasoned parent!), you may be feeling overwhelmed with the idea of caring for a newborn. Before my first child was born, I had so many emotions – excitement, overwhelm, and a little anxiety about what is to come. The books below will help ease worries and help prepare for your new arrival.

Expecting Better 

by Emily Oster

This book provides a refreshing take on conventional pregnancy advice. Economist Emily Oster provides data and research on many of the major decisions pregnant women must make during pregnancy. Oster operates under the assumption that women are very capable beings. They can make the best choices for themselves and their unborn babies when given the correct information. Oster’s writing is engaging, providing material in an easy-to-understand way that is very helpful for new parents.

The Wonder Weeks

by Xaviera Plooji & Frans X. Plooji

I found The Wonder Weeks to be a helpful guide that I referred to often during my son’s first year of life. This book helps parents understand their baby’s development and behavior during this first year. The authors explain that babies go through “leaps,” which are developmental phases that happen during the first year of life. Typically, behavior changes happen during these leaps – fussiness, clinginess, sleep disruptions, etc. The Wonder Weeks provides practical advice and insight to an expectant mother and expectant father.

Bringing Up Bebe

by Pamela Druckerman

Bringing Up Bebe explores how the French parent their children and how it differs from conventional American parenting. The author, Pamela Druckerman, lived in Paris and observed how French parents approach parenting differently. Druckerman shares her insights with readers, suggesting that a more relaxed approach to parenting can lead to better outcomes for everyone in the family. This book is a great read if you are hoping to adopt a more laid-back and independent parenting style.

Mayo Clinic Guide to Your Baby’s First Years 

by Dr. Walter Cook & Dr. Kelsey Klaas

Mayo Clinic Guide to Your Baby’s First Years is a complete guide that will surely serve you well as you navigate parenthood. My pediatrician recommended this book to me, and I am glad I purchased it. This book covers all of the essentials from navigating illnesses to feeding and proper nutrition. There is so much information in this book, but it does not feel overwhelming. Having a reliable reference book with expert advice like that is very helpful!

The Happiest Baby on the Block

by Dr. Harvey Karp

Family members recommended this book to me while I was pregnant – and I could not be more grateful! Dr. Harvey Karp is a pediatrician and child development expert who shares a very effective approach to calming fussy babies. His approach focuses on the 5 S’s – swaddling, side/stomach positioning, shushing, swinging, and sucking. It’s very easy to learn and even easier to implement with your baby. The Happiest Baby on the Block is a very helpful book, and I am sure your little one would love to hear you read it!

IF YOU WANT TO FEEL NOSTALGIC

Reading to your baby in the womb is wonderful. What better way to do it than with the books that we grew up with as well? These books are held dear to our hearts – and for good reason! These books are not only great for unborn babies to hear, but they’re just so fun to take a trip down memory lane. Below are some of my favorite books I loved while growing up.

Goodnight Moon

by Margaret Wise Brown

This book is a classic that has been loved by so many generations. The gentle and repetitive story and popular illustrations create a sense of calming nostalgia that is difficult to find in many other books. This is a favorite bedtime story in our home. I recommend getting it as a board book so it’s extra durable!

Where’s Spot?

by Eric Hill

This lift-the-flap book is a great read for babies in the womb. This was such a fun book growing up, and I am sure many will still enjoy it today. With bright colors and simple text, it’s such a classic book to read.

Dear Zoo

by Rod Campbell

Dear Zoo is another lift-the-flap book that is a classic. This book stands the test of time because of its easy-to-follow text and colorful pictures. A fun choice for all readers!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

by Eric Carle

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is another classic choice. Pregnant women may feel like they are the hungry caterpillar at times! The theme of transformation and growth is so perfect for many parents as they get ready to welcome a child into the world.

Little Critter Series

by Mercer Mayer

The Little Critter series follows Little Critter, a lovable character who always seems to get into some type of trouble. These books are funny and relatable for both parents and children alike. The simple text and colorful illustrations make them a great choice for reading aloud to your baby in the womb.

The Rainbow Fish 

by Marcus Pfister

The Rainbow Fish teaches about the importance of friendship. The pictures of the sparkly rainbow fish are beautiful. The message in this book is always a helpful reminder to adults and children alike.

If you want to include an older sibling

When a family is expecting a new baby, it is a big change for every single member of the family – older siblings included! It’s common for older children to feel left out or anxious during the process. Reading books together can help prepare your child for the arrival of their new baby brother or baby sister. The books below will help your child feel more connected to their little sibling while having special reading time with mommy.

Hello in There! A Big Sister’s Book of Waiting

by Jo Witek

If your child is soon to be a big sister, then this book is a great choice. The story follows a young girl as she prepares to welcome a little sibling into the family. She shares her excitement (and worries) with her little sibling in utero. This book is great if you are looking to get your daughter feeling involved and excited.

King Baby 

by Kate Beaton

Newborn babies are powerful and demanding little rulers, aren’t they? King Baby is a funny book to read with an older sibling. While reading, you can discuss how babies require a lot of work and patience. You will certainly get some laughs while reading this one together!

Baby Belly

by Patricia Martin

Does your child ever wonder what exactly is growing in mom’s belly? Baby Belly is a wordless book with sweet illustrations that focuses on what is growing in a mom’s belly. A book like this does not have text, but it allows parents and their children to talk about what exactly is going on during pregnancy.

Babies Don’t Eat Pizza

by Dianne Danzig

Babies Don’t Eat Pizza discusses the realities of having a new baby at home. The book can help parents talk about what having a newborn baby is going to be like. Preparing your child for a new sibling is important, and this book can help facilitate that conversation.

You Were the First

by Patricia MacLachlan

Oh, this book made me cry. You Were the First is a sweet and sentimental book that explains the special bond between parents and their firstborn child. Even though a new baby may be coming soon, an older sibling can never be replaced!

What Baby Needs

by William and Martha Sears

What Baby Needs is a book that talks all about the different things that a baby will need once born. The book emphasizes how older siblings can be great helpers with their little siblings. This book also includes notes for discussion.

if you want to look at beautiful illustrations

Taking the time to read out loud beautiful picture books can be relaxing and fun. Reading these books can create a soothing and peaceful environment, which can be especially helpful during pregnancy. Below are some beautiful books to read to a baby in the womb.

Madeline

by Ludwig Bemelmans

Madeline will have you dreaming about future family travels to Europe! This is a classic children’s book that captures the essence of Paris. The illustrations are so beautiful and detailed, focusing on the charming streets of Paris and the many adventures of Madeline.

What Do You Do With an Idea? 

by Kobi Yamada

Do you ever wonder what happens to an idea? This charming book discusses the evolution of an idea. How do you make sure your idea grows into something? You have to care for it and love it. Reading this book while pregnant can be a great inspiration to nurture some creative thinking. You will also be motivated to help nurture your child’s future goals and aspirations.

The Mitten 

by Jan Brett

The Mitten is a classic children’s story with beautiful illustrations of winter animals and winter scenery. This is a great book to read in the winter, but it can be read year-round.

Where the Wild Things Are

by Maurice Sendak

Where the Wild Things Are is another classic children’s book that has whimsical and detailed illustrations. The illustrations are so imaginative. It’s no wonder this book has stood the test of time.

Watercress

by Andrea Wang

Watercress is a story about a Chinese American girl and her family as they begin to harvest watercress. The illustrations in this book of the countryside are really beautiful. This book also emphasizes the importance of family and community, which is always important.