Your baby is learning how to look at a book.
When you read, you take for granted that there will be words on the page, that those words will be the same every time, and that the words will be about the pictures. When you read a book together and point to the pictures, you’re helping your baby learn that for himself. Until you learn about the magic inside, a book is just another colorful toy.
Your baby gets your undivided attention.
During story time, your baby can happily snuggle in your arms. For a few special moments, your baby will be content to just gaze up at you and listen to the sound of your voice. (But expect she’ll soon need a break to be fed or changed — it’s all part of the process.)
Babies can be remarkably easy to please. It shouldn’t take more than a simple rhyme to bring on a smile.
How to Read to Your Zero- to Six-Month-Old
Keep it simple.
Your baby is not a discriminating book critic. She doesn’t need complicated plots or characters. Short books work best! The important thing is that the words are read aloud in your soothing, familiar voice.
By the end of this stage, your baby may reach out and touch a book that you are reading together.
Show your baby some faces.
The very first shape your baby recognizes is the one he sees every time he looks at you — a face! That’s why babies love looking at pictures of faces. They love books with pictures of babies and big, colorful illustrations.
Place your baby by a book.
Put a soft book flat on the floor as an incentive for your baby to lift her head during tummy time. When she’s sitting up, with or without support, place a cloth or board book in front of her that she can touch.
Take-Away Reading Tips
- Choose books with black and white images, faces, or pictures made up of a few contrasting colors.
- Leave the pages of a book open for as long as your baby wants to linger over the pictures.
- Find books with texture and help her to reach out and touch the pages.
- Carry books and postcards with you so your baby always has something new to gaze at.
- Prop open books next to him on the changing table.
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