The earlier we start reading to babies the sooner they will be ready for kindergarten when the time comes. There are studies that recommend mothers read to their babies in utero after sixteen weeks because this will provide the baby with the rhythm of the mother’s voice. The study recommended at least fifteen to twenty minutes a day but any exposure to the voice has the baby well on the way to improved literacy. Another study recommends that we don’t stop reading to our children after they are born and we don’t wait until they are old enough to comprehend what we are reading. The following is a guide to reading to infants as they grow, starting at birth.

We should read from birth to about six months old. The baby’s eyes are in the development stage so we need to choose books with little or no text and bright pictures. It really does not matter what you read, it can be a book you are reading, what is important is the tone of your voice. The next stage seven to twelve months old babies are more alert and begin to grab the book. They may chew on the book, try turning pages and begin to understand some words. It is at this stage when you should have books that are sturdy, with lots of colored pictures for you to point out animals by name and other things in the picture. Do not use baby words in your reading or pointing out things for the baby to see. From thirteen to eighteen months is the time to introduce the child to books with short sentences on each page. Just make sure the pictures are bright. Books with a rhythm, ones you can act out or make noises, like what the cow or pig sound like the better. It won’t be long before the child will be saying the animal sounds back to you. During this age period the child may be able to provide answers to questions like where is the dog. You may be able to ask questions about your eyes, nose, mouth or any other features. Respond to the child’s one word reply with yes that is a big brown dog. You are expanding the vocabulary. The next age group is from nineteen to twenty four mouths. It is this age group that may bring books they want you to read because it is a reassuring and calming time for them. Believe me when I say you have to read the book the same way each time. The book can be read many times before they find a new book they like just as well. I remember when my boy was this age he loved Sandra Boynton’s “Barn Yard Dance”. It had good rhythm, a beautiful cadence and lots of animals doing the barn yard dance. I think I read this book to him twice every night for at least six months or more. So start reading to babies and cuddle with them.