Creating baby's first homemade book — sensory book and coloring from 6 months

Before coloring, baby discovers books. And the first book you can give them isn't bought in a store — it can be made at home, adapted exactly to their age, colors, and family. Here's how to make 3 types of baby books.

The contrast book (0–3 months)

This is baby's first "book" — before they can even hold their head up. High-contrast black and white images placed in front of them during tummy time.

Materials:

• A4 white paper
• Thick black marker (Posca or permanent)
• Lamination (optional but recommended)
• Spiral or ring binder

Content:

• Page 1: black/white checkerboard
• Page 2: concentric circles
• Page 3: spiral
• Page 4: stylized face (eyes, nose, mouth as geometric shapes)
• Page 5: vertical and horizontal stripes
• Page 6: mama's photo in black and white

Laminate each page or slip into a clear pocket. Bind with a spiral or rings.

The sensory fabric book (6–18 months)

A book where each page is a different material to feel. Baby "reads" with their fingers.

Materials:

• Felt (3–4 colors)
• Satin ribbons, glitter ribbons, velvet ribbon
• Polyester stuffing
• Velcro
• Needle + thread (or sewing machine)

Page contents:

• Page 1: stuffed cotton cloud + yellow felt sun with ribbon tabs
• Page 2: felt flower with petals to remove and replace (velcro)
• Page 3: flexible plastic mirror (baby-safe) + felt frame
• Page 4: number book with as many wooden buttons as the digit
• Page 5: zip to open/close (fine motor skills)

→ Baby sensory book DIY kit{target="_blank" rel="noopener"}

Sewing: sew pages in pairs (front/back) leaving a 5mm margin. Leave an opening, lightly stuff if desired, close up. Bind all pages with a large brass ring at top left.

The illustrated birth book (0–12 months, made during pregnancy)

This book tells baby's story even before birth. Created during pregnancy or the first months, it becomes a family treasure.

Materials:

• Magnetic page photo album (15×15 cm)
• Watercolor stickers
• Washi tape
• Calligraphy markers

Book structure:

• Cover: name + "(Name)'s Story"
• Pages 1–3: "Before you were born" (ultrasound photo, mama's belly, prepared nursery)
• Pages 4–6: "The day you were born" (time, weight, first photos)
• Pages 7–10: "The first weeks" (first bath, first smile, first cuddle)
• Pages 11–15: "The people who love you" (family photos with names)
• Final pages: hand and foot print

This book is the most personal gift a parent can give a child — or that a close friend can start for them.