It's mostly because people at church keep asking us what we need for the little girl, and since we have so many clothes (like, seriously) I've been suggesting toys and books. I'd like to have a little list in mind to suggest if they're not sure what to get.

I agree that before 18 months a child isn't terribly interested in listening to stories. But before that they're often quite happy to sit on Mum or Dad's knee and look at pictures in a book with them.

We did that with my little sisters from about 3 months and got them very used to the idea that words and pictures go together. It was just the kind of books that have animals and their sounds, or shapes, or colours, etc. Learning books. The wee girls loved them.

I've had a look in bookshops to see what's out there, and as there's so much, and so many trendy things, I figure it's worthwhile finding out what other children actually respond to and getting those books.

And those high-contrast books will be just fine since we plan on having a few children. Can put them away for the next one once she's bored of them (which won't be long now, I suspect).