Many parents, even those who love to read themselves, wonder why they should read to infants, much in the same way that new parents will ask why they should talk to a newborn who can't talk back. However, just as talking to a small baby introduces language, research suggests that infants and children who are read to are more enthusiastic about reading, are more successful in school, are better readers, and are more likely to remain life-long readers.

But how do you read to a baby? Some suggestions include:

Read with lots of inflection, as babies like to hear the rhythm and sound of your voice (lullabies and nursery rhymes are ideal for sound and rhythm).

Read books with big bright pictures and simple concepts (one picture per page) or books with textured pictures so that the baby can feel the story as you read.

Talk about the pictures instead of reading a complex story.

Help your baby point to pictures as you describe the story to him so that reading is interactive. Soon your child will be able to tell you parts of the story.

Be responsive to cues from your child. Your child may not want you to read a particular story, or at a particular time. You can try a different book (something shorter or more colorful), or try a different time. Be sure not to insist on reading if the baby wants to do something else. Just try again later!

Try to read at the same time every night, but remember that you can read anytime (while you're nursing or waiting at the doctor's office).

Try recording books onto audiotapes for car trips.

Source:
Cuddle your baby with a book. (1996, September). Indy's Child, p. 16.

Prepared for Parent News by Dawn Ramsburg