10 Best Cloth Books in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Pediatrician

Cloth books can be made with a variety of fabrics like cotton, polyester, and neoprene, each offering different textures and tactile experiences for your baby. Look for materials that are soft and won’t pill or shed, minimizing the risk of allergies and irritation. To ensure safety, look for product descriptions that mention “non-toxic” or “BPA-free” materials, which indicate that they do not contain harmful substances such as BPA, phthalates, or lead.

Since cloth books are made of fabric, they’re washable. However, some books may have interactive elements like mirrors or battery-operated components that require extra care. If you’d rather not deal with maintaining these parts, opt for cloth books made entirely of fabric. This way, you won’t have to worry about damaging the book when hand-washing or machine-washing it.

A well-constructed cloth book is not only safer but also lasts longer. Look for books with reinforced stitching and securely attached parts. Check for loose stitches that may cause the cloth book to unravel or for the fabric to fray. A durable cloth book will stand up to your baby’s curious hands while avoiding potential accidents.

Babies tend to grab and put things in their mouths, so watch out for parts that may come off easily. Steer clear of cloth books that have tiny objects or removable parts. Anything that measures below 2 inches, such as buttons, foam balls, beads, googly eyes, and wheels, could pose as a choking hazard.

From birth up to 3 months old, your baby’s color vision is still developing. High-contrast black-and-white cloth books are particularly beneficial at this stage, helping to stimulate cognitive development. Books with vivid colors and large pictures can further engage your baby as their vision improves.

Your baby’s hearing ability is also developing at this stage. Books that make rustling sounds or play music when squeezed can capture their attention and keep them engaged.

By 4 to 6 months, your baby’s color vision has improved, making them ready for more detailed pictures and complex patterns. At this stage, flipping through a cloth book helps refine their motor skills.

At this stage, your baby starts to babble vowel sounds, making this a great opportunity to teach them words such as “mama” or “dada”. Books with detachable puppets can make storytime more interactive and fun, aiding language development.

From 6 to 12 months, your baby’s muscle control and hand-eye coordination improve significantly. At this stage, they are more capable of holding and playing with soft and small toys. Books with flip-flap elements, hidden mirrors, and varied textures encourage exploration, helping to develop these skills further.

Books featuring different fabrics can also teach your baby about textures, while mirrors help them recognize their reflection, making playtime both educational and enjoyable.