Reading with babies from birth
Why reading with your baby is important
Sharing stories, talking and singing helps your baby’s development in lots of ways.
Doing these activities every day helps your baby get familiar with sounds, words, language and, eventually, the value and joy of books. This good start actually helps him be a successful reader later in life. It’s a great time for you to bond with your baby and share time together, too.
As your baby grows, reading stories also stimulates her imagination and helps her learn about the world around her.
You can start reading aloud to your baby as early as you like – the earlier the better. Our articles on reading stories with babies and children and developing literacy have more information to get you started.
Sharing books with your baby
Even young babies can enjoy and benefit from reading books with you. For example, you can:
- read slowly and spend time on each page after you read the words – this lets your baby focus on the shape of words and pictures
- point out and name familiar and new things your baby sees on the page, instead of reading the words
- change the tone of your voice as you read – make it interesting for you and your baby
- Set up a special reading space at home – for example, a cozy chair that’s big and comfortable enough for you and baby (like a nursing chair), with a box of books or bookshelf nearby.
- Make a routine, and try to share at least one book every day. For example, sharing a book can be a relaxing way to end the day.
- Turn off your devices, and find a quiet space so your baby can hear your voice.
- Try out funny noises and sounds – play and have fun!
- Hold the book fairly close to your baby so she can see. You can hold your baby close, on your knee or sit in front of her while you read, so she can see your face too.
What to read with your baby
In general, babies enjoy books that have good rhymes, rhythm and repetition. This repetition and rhyming helps children learn.
From when your baby is born, you might look for:
- books with bright colours or simple, large and high-contrast pictures like black and white pictures – these are interesting and easy for babies to focus on
- books with different textures so your baby can hear, see and feel the book
- books with pictures of babies and faces
- soft, waterproof plastic and cloth books that can go in your baby’s mouth and into the bath.
And remember, if you don't have books, tell your baby stories, sing songs you love, look at and talk about family pictures--anything that brings you together is great!
