Board Books vs Picture Books: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should be buying board books or picture books for your baby, you’re not alone.

The distinction isn’t always obvious — and many parents worry they’re choosing the wrong kind. The good news is that both have a place. They’re just useful at different stages, and in different ways.

What Is a Board Book?

Board books are made with babies in mind.

They’re typically:
- Thick and sturdy
- Easy to grip
- Resistant to chewing and bending
- Designed for short, repeatable reading moments

Board books are meant to be explored with hands and mouths as much as with eyes.

What Is a Picture Book?

Picture books are usually:
- Made with paper pages
- Longer in format
- More detailed in illustration
- Better suited to sitting and listening

Picture books shine when a child can focus for longer stretches and handle pages gently.

Which Is Better for Babies?

For most babies under 18 months, board books are the better place to start.

That’s because babies:
- Explore books physically
- Lose interest quickly
- Engage in short bursts
- Learn through repetition

Board books make it easier to read without worrying about torn pages or perfect behavior.

When Do Picture Books Make Sense?

Picture books usually become more useful when:
- A child can sit through longer stories
- They enjoy following a narrative
- Page-turning becomes gentler and more intentional

This often happens gradually, and there’s no need to rush it.

Many families naturally keep both types around — using board books for independent exploration and picture books for calmer, shared moments.

Can You Mix Both?

Absolutely.

Some days your baby might happily explore a board book on their own. Other days, they may enjoy listening while you read a picture book aloud.

There’s no single correct mix. What matters is choosing books that fit how your baby engages right now.

Why Board Books Are Often Read More

Many parents notice that board books:
- Get chosen more often
- Are reread more frequently
- Become part of daily routines

That’s not accidental. Board books remove friction — you don’t have to protect them, and your baby doesn’t have to be careful.

Common Questions

Is it okay if my baby only wants board books?
Yes. Board books are designed for early exploration and repeated reading.

Will my baby miss out if we don’t use picture books yet?
No. Picture books will still be there when your baby is ready for them.

Can picture books be used with babies at all?
Yes — especially when read aloud with support. Short moments are enough.

It doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be shared.

For guidance on what kinds of books babies return to again and again, you can also read:
Why Babies Love Repetition