An infant won't understand everything you're doing or why. But reading aloud to your baby is a wonderful shared activity you can continue for years to come — and it's important for your baby's brain. Show Reading aloud:
By the time babies reach their first birthday they will have learned all the sounds needed to speak their native language. The more stories you read aloud, the more words your baby will hear and the better they'll be able to talk. Hearing words helps to build a rich network of words in a baby's brain. Kids whose parents talk and read to them often know more words by age 2 than children who have not been read to. And kids who are read to during their early years are more likely to learn to read at the right time. When you read to your baby:
But perhaps the most important reason to read aloud is that it makes a connection between the things your baby loves the most — your voice and closeness to you — and books. Spending time reading to your baby shows that reading is important. And if infants and children are read to often with joy, excitement, and closeness, they begin to associate books with happiness — and new readers are created. Different Ages, Different StagesYoung babies may not know what the pictures in a book mean, but they can focus on them, especially faces, bright colors, and different patterns. When you read or sing lullabies and nursery rhymes, you can entertain and soothe your infant. Between 4–6 months:
Between 6–12 months:
When and How to ReadHere's a great thing about reading aloud: It doesn't take special skills or equipment, just you, your baby, and some books. Read aloud for a few minutes at a time, but do it often. Don't worry about finishing entire books — focus on pages that you and your baby enjoy. Try to read every day, perhaps before naptime and bedtime. Reading before bed gives you and your baby a chance to cuddle and connect. It also sets a routine that will help calm your baby. It's also good to read at other points in the day. Choose times when your baby is dry, fed, and alert. Books also come in handy when you're stuck waiting, so have some in the diaper bag to fill time sitting at the doctor's office or standing in line at the grocery store. Here are some other reading tips:
What to ReadBooks for babies should have simple, repetitive, and familiar text and clear pictures. During the first few months of life, your child just likes to hear your voice. So you can read almost anything, especially books with a sing-song or rhyming text. As your baby gets more interested in looking at things, choose books with simple pictures against solid backgrounds. As your baby begins to grab, you can read vinyl or cloth books that have faces, bright colors, and shapes. When your baby begins to respond to what's inside the books, add board books with pictures of babies or familiar objects like toys. When your baby starts to do things like sit up in the bathtub or eat finger foods, find simple stories about daily routines like bedtime or bathtime. When your child starts talking, choose books that let babies repeat simple words or phrases. Books with mirrors and different textures (crinkly, soft, scratchy) are also great for this age group. So are fold-out books you can prop up, or books with flaps that open for a surprise. Board books make page turning easier for infants, and vinyl or cloth books can go everywhere — even the tub. Babies of any age like photo albums with pictures of people they know and love. And babies love nursery rhymes! One of the best ways to make sure that your little one grows up to be a reader is to have books around your house. When your baby is old enough to crawl over to a basket of toys and pick one out, make sure some books are in the mix. Besides the books you own, you also can borrow from the library. Many libraries have story time for babies too. Don't forget to pick up a book for yourself while you're there. Reading for fun is another way you can be your baby's reading role model. Should my 3 month old be reading?The truth is that it's never too early to start reading to your baby. The bonding that happens when you're reading to your baby is priceless. And it's super important for brain and language development in children.
What should I be teaching my 3 month old baby?Helping baby development at 3-4 months. Play together: sing songs, read books, play with toys, do tummy time and make funny sounds together – your baby will love it! ... . Smile at your baby: when your baby sees you smile, it releases natural chemicals in their body that make them feel happy and safe.. How do you read a 3 month old baby?By now your baby will be starting to experience emotions and communication. They will respond to different expressions, know your voice and will turn to look for you when they hear you. They may start laughing out loud and look around them in wonder – especially at their fingers and toes.
What is a good first book for a baby?45 Best Books for a Baby's First Year. I Kissed the Baby, by Mary Murphy.. Moo Baa La La La!, by Sandra Boynton.. Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd.. Pat the Zoo, by LV Studio.. Knuffle Bunny, by Mo Willems.. Guess How Much I Love You?, by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram.. |