Why Reading to Babies is Important

The Importance of Reading to a Baby

Why is it important to read to your baby, you may ask? In any case, your baby is hardly going to understand anything you read. However, the truth is that you can’t wait until your child starts understanding anything you say before you start speaking to him or her. So, reading to babies is important because:

• You bond better with your baby
• You begin to share a lot with your child
• Your child understands the meaning of the printed word and draws a connection between words and their meanings
• Your child’s vocabulary improves and he or she begins recognizing words in the context of what he or she reads
• He or she enters a world of learning and fun
• Your child develops listening skills
• You can teach your child numbers, letters, colors, shapes, and stories in an entertaining way
• When you read to your child using different expressions, sounds, and emotions, he or she develops socially and emotionally
• Reading opens your child’s mind as he or she looks at pictures, points to them, touches them
• Your baby also begins to imitate sounds, learns words, and improves his or her overall language skills

When to read to your child: Reading to babies can start right at birth. While your baby may not know what you are reading to him or her, but they will find it comforting to hear your voice. You can choose the time of day you want to read to him or her, such as before your child drops off to sleep, or when he or she is dry, fed or alert.

What to read to your baby: Choose books that have simple text and clear pictures. Initially, let your infant just listen to your voice as you read in a singsong manner. As your baby gets used to you reading aloud, go in for books that have simple uncluttered pictures against dark solid backgrounds. As your baby grows, read books with bright colors and distinct shapes. Tell him or her simple stories centered on his routine. The moment he or she begins talking, choose books that make your child repeat easy words or phrases. Once your baby has learned to speak clearly, he or she can learn to read. Here's a great reading program for that.

You can also choose books with mirrors and soft or crinkly textured books. Fold out books or books with flaps are also good for reading to babies.

Tips for reading to your baby:

• Cuddle your infant while you read as this makes him or her feel loved, warm, and connected with you.
• Read aloud with expressions, and raise and lower your voice as required to show a difference in characters.
• Don’t read all the text in the book. At times, stop and ask your little one questions about the pictures on the page. Even if your infant can’t immediately respond, he or she will do so in time.
• Make funny animal sounds to match the character in the story, or sing a nursery rhyme. Do whatever it takes to let your kid know that reading aloud is fun.
• Keep repeating words and phrases while reading to babies, because they love it.

Over time, you’ll see that your child asks you to read a particular story because of all the singing and reading with expressions that he or she fancies. Reading to babies is a pleasurable pastime for you, and it’s a fun and learning experience for your infant as well.