5 of the Best Books to Explain Where Do Babies Come From
These are my go-to books for explaining where babies come from. I recommend them to parents all the time because they’re gentle, age-appropriate, and they do not talk about sexual intercourse. They focus on babies, bodies, families, and pregnancy in a way that makes sense to children and feels manageable for parents.
This list includes a mix of traditional picture books and a hands-on activity, because some children learn best by listening to a story, while others need something more visual or play-based.
All of these are resources I regularly recommend when parents ask me which sex education books (and alternatives) are best for starting this conversation.
If you’re looking for a calm, clear way to answer the “where do babies come from?” question, these five are a solid place to begin.
If you’re unsure about the best way to read these types of books with kids, this article will help you discover the secret of reading sex education books for kids. And here is where you’ll find the rest of the age-appropriate books about where babies come from.
If you want to learn more about sex education, then visit my Sex Education 101 page!
NOTE: Before passing any book to your child or reading it with them, you should read it yourself first. I might think it is a great book for a certain age child or that the information is valuable, but you may disagree. Try to choose books that reflect your values and the messages you want your child to receive.
The 5 Best Books for Explaining Where Babies Come From
1. What Makes a Baby
by Cory Silverberg (Suitable for 3-7 yo)
What Makes a Baby is a true classic and one of the most widely loved books for explaining where babies come from. It was the first genuinely inclusive book on this topic, making space for transgender people, LGBTQ+ families, and lots of different ways families are formed. The language is gentle, respectful, and reassuring, without jumping ahead or overwhelming children with too much information. This is a beautiful, calm place to start if you want to introduce the idea of baby-making in a way that feels safe, inclusive, and age-appropriate.
Note: Sex Ed Rescue is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. See our disclosure for more information.
2. What’s In There? All about before you were born
by Robie H. Harris (Suitable for 3-8 yo)
What’s in There? All About Before You Were Born is a much-loved, gentle classic that focuses on pregnancy and how a baby grows before they’re born. The story is told through a mum-and-dad family, but it also thoughtfully acknowledges that babies can join families in other ways, including adoption and foster care. The language is calm, reassuring, and very child-friendly, making it easy for parents to read aloud without feeling awkward. This is a lovely, popular book that works well for families wanting a soft, nurturing introduction to where babies come from.
3. The Parents’ Guide to Explaining Sex
by Cath Hakanson (Suitable for 3-12 yo)
The Parents’ Guide to Explaining Sex is written specifically for parents, but it includes child-friendly illustrations you can show your child as you talk. What makes this book stand out is that it gives you real choice in how you explain where babies come from – you can use a traditional explanation (mum and dad / man and woman) or an inclusive one (a person with a penis and a person with a vagina). It also covers other ways babies are made, including surrogacy, and is inclusive of LGBTQ+ families. The conversation is broken down into five simple steps, which cuts down overwhelm and helps you feel confident about where to start and what to say next.
4. Where do Babies Come From?
by Usborne Books (Suitable for 3-5 yo)
These wildly popular books with parents are what I would call a sex-ed encyclopedia of what kids need to know at the different stages of sexual development. These are the sort of books that your kids will take and disappear off to the bedroom to read alone. Parents also seem to love them as well! You can read them together with your child, and I would recommend breaking them down into chapters.
5. Paperdoll Families: Paper Activity
by Cath Hakanson (Suitable for 3-11 yo)
Paperdoll Families isn’t a traditional book, but it’s a fantastic alternative for explaining where babies come from – especially for younger children or kids who learn best through play. This paper doll activity includes adults and babies, with costumes that allow an adult to look pregnant, so you can visually show where babies grow. It’s fully inclusive, including options like a pregnant trans man, and reflects lots of different family structures. At the back, you’ll find images specifically designed to support conversations about babies and families, making this a hands-on, gentle way to explore the topic together.
I hope you find the perfect where do babies come from book for your child. If you’re undecided, please message me and ask!
Happy talking!
❤️ Cath
Looking for more sex education resources? Then visit my Sex Education 101 page!