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Reading to Your Baby

No, your baby isn’t ready to learn the ABCs yet—but it’s never too early to start reading together! Reading helps your baby build language skills and learn to love books. It also brings you closer as you spend time together.


Reading to Newborns

Newborns love to hear your voice. It doesn’t matter what you read—anything from a book to a magazine or even a grocery list works! Your baby doesn’t understand the words yet, but they enjoy being close and listening to you talk.


Reading in the First Few Months

As your baby’s eyesight gets better, they’ll start to enjoy looking at pictures. Choose simple board books with bright colors and clear images. Photos of faces or animals are great choices.


Reading to Older Babies (6 to 12 Months)

At this age, babies may grab books, chew on them, and drool all over them—and that’s okay! Use sturdy board books or soft cloth books made for little hands (and mouths). Pick books with:

  • Bright, colorful pictures
  • Photos of babies
  • A few words on each page

It’s fine if your baby wants to explore books by touching and chewing—they’re learning through their senses!


How Often Should You Read?

Try to read with your baby every day. It’s okay if it’s just for a few minutes at a time—babies have short attention spans. Pick books you enjoy and show your baby that reading is fun. Talk about the pictures and tell your baby what’s happening on the page.

Most babies (even very young ones) have favorite books. Be ready to read the same one over and over—and that’s a good thing! You can also ask your librarian for book ideas or look for other books by the same author your baby already loves.