Soft Baby Books vs Teether Books: Your First Book Guide
By Babies R Us Australia | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: Buying Guides
Not sure whether to start with a soft baby book or a teether book? Use these decision rules to pick a safe, engaging first book for your newborn.
Quick answer
For most newborns, start with a soft fabric book that combines gentle sensory features with a teether, like the Peter Rabbit Good Little Bunny Soft Book with Teether. If you want more interactive textures and sounds, the Lamaze Friends Soft Activity Baby Book is a strong alternative. Both are safe for babies 0–3 years and designed for early exploration.
Why soft books beat board books for the first year
Board books are sturdy, but they can be heavy and have sharp edges for a baby who is still learning to grasp. Soft fabric books are lightweight, flexible, and safe to chew, making them ideal for newborns and infants who explore with their mouths. They also pack easily for nappy bags and travel.
Cloth books vs board books: cloth books offer sensory variety—crinkle sounds, textures, and attached teethers—while board books are better for toddlers who can turn pages without tearing them. For the first 12 months, a soft book with a teether usually meets more developmental needs.
Teether vs activity book: what’s the difference?
A baby book with teether includes a chewable attachment, often made of safe silicone or fabric, to soothe sore gums. This is especially useful during teething periods (around 4–7 months). Activity soft books, on the other hand, focus on sensory stimulation with crinkle pages, squeakers, or mirrors, but may not include a teether.
If your baby is already showing signs of teething, a teether book solves two needs at once. If you want to build attention and fine motor skills, an activity book with varied textures may be more engaging.
Safety and age suitability
Both the Peter Rabbit and Lamaze books are rated for 0–3 years, so they are safe from birth. Always check for loose parts or wear, and supervise during use. Soft books should be machine washable or easy to wipe clean—look for fabric pages that withstand frequent washing.
Avoid books with small detachable pieces or long strings. The teether should be securely attached and made from baby-safe materials. If a book has crinkle paper inside, ensure it is fully enclosed and not accessible to tiny fingers.
Decision rules for your first baby book
- If your baby is 0–4 months old: Choose a soft book with high-contrast colours and gentle crinkle sounds. The Lamaze Friends Soft Activity Baby Book offers visual and auditory stimulation without overwhelming a newborn.
- If your baby is teething (4–7 months): Pick a book with an attached teether, like the Peter Rabbit Good Little Bunny Soft Book with Teether, to soothe gums while reading. Check that the teether is securely attached and free of small parts.
- If you want one book for travel: A soft book with a teether is more versatile because it doubles as a teether and entertainment. Both options are lightweight, but the teether adds extra utility.
- If you prefer easy cleaning: Look for fabric books that are machine washable. Both products are fabric, but check the care label—most soft books can be washed on a gentle cycle.
Product facts
- Peter Rabbit Good Little Bunny Soft Book with Teether: Soft fabric pages featuring Peter Rabbit and an attached teether for gum relief. Combines story time with teething comfort, so you don’t need to pack a separate teether.
Peter Rabbit Good Little Bunny Soft Book with Teether - Lamaze Friends Soft Activity Baby Book: Multicolour fabric pages with interactive features, crinkle textures, and gentle sounds. Encourages sensory development and keeps babies engaged through touch and sound.
Lamaze Friends Soft Activity Baby Book
Who should choose which?
Best for
- Parents of newborns who want a safe, chewable first book
- Babies who are actively teething and need soothing
- Families looking for a portable, multi-use book
Not for
- Toddlers who need sturdy pages they can turn independently
- Families who prefer books without attached parts
