Reading To Your Baby

The Who, What, When, Where and Why of Reading Aloud to Your Baby

Who:

Mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, siblings, cousins - you name it! Everyone that reads to your baby will have their own style and will add to your baby's experience.

What:

There are lots of wonderful books to read to young children (see a list below for some suggestions). Make sure they are appropriate for your baby's age, interesting, and enjoyable.

When:

Every day, especially when your baby is well fed and in a calm mood.

Where:

Indoors, outdoors (especially in the summertime), or in any cozy spot. Make sure your baby can hear and see both you and the pages.

Why:

Reading helps your baby to be able to recognize letters and their sounds, it grows their vocabulary, and teaches them new ideas. Reading is also a fun bonding activity for you and your baby to do together.

Suggestions for infant board books:

• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

• My First Words Board Books by Dorling Kindersley

• Baby Faces by Margaret Miller

• Baby Animal Kisses by B. Saltzberg

• Blue Hat Green Hat by Sandra Boynton

• Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? Dr. Suess's Book of Wonderful Noises by Dr. Seuss

• Peek-a-Who by N. Laden

• Tomie's Little Mother Goose by T. Depaola

• The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle

• Where is Baby's Belly Button by Karen Katz