Benefits of Reading Baby

For parents, we tend to take reading for granted.  We read the road signs, the paperwork, and the instructions.  We might even pick up a book and read a little, if we’re not too exhausted to read the words on the page.  We know that we need to read things to learn, to consent, and follow directions, but it’s easy to forget how we got to here. 

The foundation for our reading skills most likely occurred long before our first memory.  It was before we knew that a cup, was actually called a “cup” and before we knew that a ball was actually called a “ball”.  It happened when we heard people around us talking directly to us. 

It happened when we watched their mouths move so we could learn how to take those spitting and gurgling noises and form them into syllables, followed by words.  And it happened when we were read to.  Reading to your baby teaches them about their world, helps them develop speech and language skills, and gives them your undivided attention so that they feel safe and loved.

But when and what should you start reading to your little one?  The reality is, it’s never too early start reading to your baby, and it doesn’t really matter what you choose!  From birth to six months, a baby’s vision is still developing so they don’t require too many things going on in a book.  Books with little to no text and high-contrast pictures help them to learn to focus in and strengthens their eye muscles. 

Books with inter actives aspects, such as puppets or mirrors are also fun for babies in this age range.  But that doesn’t mean that you only need to read baby books.  No matter what you read, your baby just loves hearing your voice and snuggling up to you…even if you read the newspaper aloud! As they get a little older, babies can focus in on things and start learning more about the world around them. 

They are more vocal, making sounds and noises, beginning to attempt to make the sounds they hear around them.  That’s why books with one item or object on each page is best for this age.  Once your child hears you giving a name to something they recognize, they will start to identify the name with the object.  Soon after that, they’ll start to mimic the sounds they’ve heard, trying to communicate back with you.

They’ll love seeing you respond to their babbling and having you talk back to them!  But remember, in the second half of their first year, everything goes in their mouth!  Sturdy books that can be chewed on, such as vinyl, cloth, or board books will ensure that you don’t end up with ruined books! Reading to your baby is a great way to wind down your day. 

Whether it’s a book at bedtime, reading the recipe aloud out of the cookbook, or just reading the signs around you, your baby is taking it all in, learning about the world around them and how to communicate in it.  

Responding to the tone in your voice, the expressions on your face, and the one-on-one attention makes a huge difference in their speech, language and social development, getting them off to a great start.   So make sure today that you take a few moments to start reading to your baby!

Contact us at:

(636)-379-2600

bsaofallon@yahoo.co

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Bright Start Acade

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864 Homefield Blvd

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O’Fallon MO. 63366