Board books are a rite of passage for parents. Those colorful, chunky books seem ubiquitous in every baby room or diaper bag. But have you ever wondered what board books are actually made of? Why do they feel different from a regular book?
As an expert in early childhood development, I’ve read my fair share of board books. And I can tell you that what goes into a board book isn’t just thicker paper – it’s specially engineered to stimulate your little one’s senses while withstanding rough treatment.
In this article, as a professional board book printing manufacturer, I’ll give you a peek behind the scenes at what are board books made of. Ready to find out the science behind the magic? Let’s dive in!
What Are Board Books Made Of?
Board Book Paper Stock: Specially Formulated Cardboard
The most noticeable difference between a board book and a regular book is the paper – or should I say cardboard. Board books are printed on ultra-thick paperboard, not flimsy paper.
Specifically, most quality board books today use gray board cardboard stock:
Gray board is pressed cardboard made of gray fibers and a white laminated surface. It ranges from 1mm to 1.5mm thick per page.
For the covers, most board books are made from binders board in 2mm to 3mm thickness. This thicker stock helps reinforce the book’s structure.
So why cardboard and not paper? Good question!
Cardboard is significantly more durable than paper. It can withstand dropping, chewing, grabbing, throwing – you name it. No wonder babies love board books so much.
Board book paperboard is also easy to clean. All you need is a damp cloth to wipe away teeth marks, drool, and anything else your board book attracts.
Finally, cardboard has a unique texture that sparks babies’ senses. The matte surface invites touching and grabbing. That tactile element is an important developmental milestone.
No paper around could put up with your little one’s antics quite like good old cardboard. And that’s why it’s the material of choice for board book publishers.
Protective Film Lamination
Once printed, board book pages go through another special treatment: lamination.
A liquid laminate coating is applied in one of two options:
- Aqueous coating – A water-based, environmentally-friendly clear coat
- UV gloss coating – A shiney gloss finish
This protective coating shields the cardboard from moisture, oils, dirt, and other contaminants.
Lamination also gives board books their signature smooth, easy-to-clean surface – no rough edges or porous material for germs to hide.
And we can’t forget the aesthetic bonus too. Lamination enhances vibrancy of illustrations, helping colors “pop” off the page.
Overall, lamination takes board book durability to the next level. No wonder everyone from publishers to parents love it.
Rounded Corners For Added Safety
Sharp corners on a baby’s book? No way!
Board book manufacturers always cut pages with rounded corners. This important detail eliminates sharp points that could poke sensitive fingers and eyes.
Rounded corners also mean less dog-ears and fraying corners over time. We all know board books lead a tough life, so this extra reinforcement really improves longevity.
The “Special Sauce” – Binding
So we’ve got super thick paperboard and a protective laminate coating. But what holds the whole package together? Specialized board book binding.
Board book binding is extra heavy-duty compared to other books. Printed pages are perfectly lined up and clamped tightly together. This keeps individual pages from slipping around.
Hot adhesive glue is applied on the spine to permanently fuse pages into one solid mass. Then the structure is clamped flat until the glue dries completely.
The result? A solidly constructed book ready for anything a baby or toddler throws at it – metaphorically and literally!
Reinforced binding coupled with rigid cardboard pages means board books easily lay flat. This gives babies a full view of every colorful page, helping engage their attention.
Considerations for Board Books Making
Quality Control For Safety
With all the chewing, drooling, and tasting board books endure, safety is paramount for publishers. Trusted manufacturers follow strict protocols.
Board books are:
- Printed with non-toxic vegetable & soy-based inks
- Made from acid-free, pH-neutral materials
- Rigorously tested to meet or exceed Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines
Reputable publishers also conduct regular third-party testing to ensure safety benchmarks are maintained over years of production. Rigorous quality control keeps our littlest readers safe.
Built To Last
Between specialized paperboard, lamination, and reinforced binding, board books are built to last through countless read-throughs.
The average board book easily withstands over 100 readings – some even over 1,000! Considering the average board book costs around $5, that’s quite a return on investment.
And robust board book construction means beloved stories can be passed down to younger siblings, cousins, or friends. Shared joy of reading for years to come? Yes, please!
Designed To Stimulate Early Development
Beyond just resilience, board books leverage unique materials to stimulate emerging skills in babies and toddlers. The scientific reasons why board books captivate little learners so well.
Vibrant colors & sharp illustrations – High contrast and defined shapes stimulate visual development.
Tactile texture – Rough cardboard pages encourage discovery via touch.
Rounded corners – Curved edges allow self-guided mouthing/chewing as part of sensory exploration.
Specialized binding – Reinforced spines mean books easily lay flat for unobstructed viewing.
Pair sensory stimulation with playful concepts like letters, numbers, feelings, animals, etc. and you’ve got the perfect recipe for skill-building.
What may seem simple on the surface has actually been carefully engineered to nurture our precious little ones.
In Summary
As you can see, ordinary paper simply wouldn’t cut it for the frequent handling (and mouthing!) board books receive.
Specialized cardboard paperboard coupled with protective lamination gives board books their signature durability. Reinforced binding and rounded safety-conscious corners complete the formula.
Beyond resilience, these intentional material choices directly stimulate early cognition and motor skills. Now you know the science behind why babies love board books so much!
The next time you cuddle up to read those chunky pages, you can appreciate the care and quality inside what board books are made of. That sprinkling of magic to captivate our littlest minds.