How to Print Your Own Children’s Books (that won’t be eaten or torn apart)

We had a baby in August of 2010 and it’s been a whirlwind. Here’s a quick post having nothing to do with tech or startups, but if you have have infants or toddlers at home, you may be interested in this.

My little one is starting to identify animals, cars and other things and is learning the words. Picture books are great tools for vocabulary-building. To make the experience even more memorable and personal, why not use your own photos and create a customized photo book that can become a keepsake? Right now, my grandparents are enjoying an amazing trip to Africa, New Zealand and Israel. They are snapping tons of photos that they want to share with baby Aaron, both now and when he is a little older. And why not learn the word for “lion” from a picture of a lion that grannie Joan took herself?

The problem is, of course, that most photo books are printed on flimsy paper that infants and toddlers quickly rip apart (or eat!) So here is a set of services I found that specialize in custom children’s books – “Board Books.” I haven’t tried any of these yet, but I plan to soon. Enjoy!

My Custom Story is one online service that helps you design and print your own custom baby photo book. The books have sturdy, long-lasting laminated pages that will easily withstand the test of belonging to a toddler or baby. Fill the pages with your own text and full color images for a fully customized keepsake that will bring joy to story time. A book that measures 4″ by 5″ usually costs around $27.95, while a 6″ by 6″ book costs $39.95. You can upload photos directly from sites such as Flickr or Picasa.

Pintsize Productions also provides the opportunity to design and print children’s photo books. You can choose from a broad variety of designs, including designing your own basic board book from scratch, giving you the versatility you need. The full color photos are printed on sturdy, thick paperboard, guaranteed to last. The optional special finger tabs on each page make it easier for little ones to turn pages. The books can be purchased either singly or in large orders. If you are interested in a Pintsize Productions photo book, you can request a price quote at the official website.

Treasured Ink can transform your photos into a sturdy keepsake board book. The finished product features 10 pages with vivid, high-quality depictions of your favorite photographs. The square pages are mounted on professional cardstock, ensuring that little hands will not rip or tear the pages. For an 8″ by 8″ book, the cost is $39.95 each. A 6″ by 6″ photo book typically costs $29.95. If you have extra photos, you can add two more pages at just $3.00 each.