Episode 17 | Why Reading to Your Baby Early Matters: Tips for New Parents

Ep 17 | Why Reading to Your Baby Early Matters: Tips for New Parents

Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of reading to your baby. You might be wondering, “Isn’t it too early to start?” The answer is a resounding no! It’s never too early to start reading to your baby. In fact, making books a fun and regular part of your baby’s life can set the stage for a lifelong love of reading and learning.

Think of reading as just another way to play with your baby. Just like toys, books can be a source of joy and discovery. When you read to your baby, you’re not just sharing stories; you’re building early literacy skills that will benefit them for life.

Reading also offers a unique opportunity for bonding. Picture this: you and your baby snuggled up together, sharing a story. It’s a special moment of one-on-one time that strengthens your relationship. And don’t forget, it’s also a wonderful addition to a bedtime routine. Reading helps your baby wind down and get ready for sleep, providing a calm and soothing transition to dreamland.

Now, what if you’re not confident about reading aloud? No problem! Your baby will love hearing your voice, whether you’re reading the words on the page or simply talking about the pictures. Feel free to get creative—point to the animals and make their sounds, or tell your own story based on the illustrations. It’s all about making the experience enjoyable for both of you.

Reading to your baby isn’t just fun; it’s incredibly beneficial for their development. It promotes speech as your baby tries to mimic your words and sounds. Over time, they’ll learn about communication, colors, shapes, letters, and numbers—all through the simple act of sharing a book. It’s like sneaking in a lesson without them even realizing it!

Books also introduce your baby to a rich variety of vocabulary they might not hear in everyday conversations. Stories with repetition, rhymes, and songs are particularly engaging. Plus, as your baby becomes familiar with their favourite books, they’ll start to anticipate what comes next, learning about the structure of a story and how books work—how to turn pages, and how to read from left to right.

Keep a book or two in your nappy bag or car for those moments when you’re waiting for an appointment or have some downtime together. Aim for reading one book a day. Some days you might not get to it, and that’s okay. Other days, your baby might want to hear the same story over and over. That’s perfectly normal and still beneficial!

Remember to eliminate distractions like the TV or other electronic devices during reading time. Create a quiet environment where you and your baby can focus on the book and each other. For example, after a daytime nap, you can share a book while your baby gradually wakes up. This can become a cherished part of your and their daily routine.

If your baby seems restless or uninterested in a particular book, don’t worry. Feel free to stop and try again later. The goal is to make reading a fun and enjoyable experience, not a forced activity.

When choosing books for your baby, look for:

– High-contrast black and white images or other bold colours.

– Pictures of faces, babies, and children.

– Animal-themed books.

– Books with rhymes, repetition, and songs.

– Fabric books, board books, and plastic bath books.

– Books with interactive features like flaps to lift and different textures to touch.

Babies are naturally drawn to high-contrast images and faces. They enjoy exploring different textures and colors, and sturdy board books are perfect for little hands. Soft plastic books can even join you in the bath for some splashy fun.

Consider setting up a low bookshelf with some board books your baby can easily access. As they grow, they’ll start to show interest in specific books and might even bring them to you to read.

Don’t forget about your local library! Becoming a member allows you to borrow a variety of books for free. Libraries often host Baby Rhyme Times, Baby Bounce sessions, and Story Time, which are fantastic opportunities to meet other families and introduce your baby to the joy of reading in a social setting.

Reading to your baby regularly not only boosts their literacy development but also instils a love for books and learning that will last a lifetime. So, grab a book, cuddle up, and enjoy this special time with your little one. Happy reading!

Connect With Belinda:

Web: www.BelindaJoyce.com
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