Week 23: It can last less than a minute, but makes a big difference
We often hear that reading is important down the line, but why exactly should I read to my baby right now? How long should it last? What if my baby doesn’t seem interested? What are the best books for this age?
Here are some considerations for reading time with your baby:
Read to your baby now
- Most child development professionals believe that children who are regularly exposed to language and books in early infancy develop higher IQs and more language fluency.
- Books offer ways to expose your baby to new vocabulary words you might not commonly use, rhyming and rhythm, and different language structures than they are exposed to in everyday conversation.
- Reading builds positive associations: reading time = cozy time. Creating a habit of reading to your baby helps them learn to love books, because they love being close to you and hearing your voice.
What to expect from reading at this age
- Reading can last for less than a minute.
- Babies generally take an interest in board books sometime between 6 and 9 months. Your baby may or may not show an interest in books at first. Keep reading each day even if they don’t seem to be interested yet.
- Try reading face-to-face with your baby supported by your crossed leg, so they can see your face while you read.
- Your baby will probably not want to read the book beginning to end. Flip around to follow their interest.
- Your baby might prefer that you stop reading so they can chew on the book instead. It’s all good—they’re still learning about books through their mouth 😉
The Lovevery board books have been specifically developed to capture your baby’s attention with real-life photographs of people and objects they are interested in right now. In addition to the Lovevery books, here is a list of our top favorites for babies and toddlers:
Babies:
‘I Love You All the Time’ Board Book
Remind your baby how loved they are—no matter what their mood is —with a sweet lesson in the rhythms of language and lots of baby faces to gaze at.
‘Plant a Seed, Watch it Grow’ Fabric Book
A fun, interactive way to practice fine motor skills and learn about caring for the environment.
‘My First Words’ Board Book
Practice some common first words in a sweet story about a toddler’s day.
‘Baby Math’ Board Book
A fun introduction to math concepts with varying textures to keep your child engaged.
Mother Goose by Mary Engelbreit
Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr and Eric Carle
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Where is Baby’s Belly Button? By Karen Katz
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox
Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
There’s a Wocket in my Pocket! By Dr. Seuss
Whose Toes are Those? By Jabari Asim
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Everywhere Babies by Susan Meyers
Toddlers:
‘Where is Crew’s Shoe?’ Board Book
Lift the flaps along the way to find the missing shoe; your toddler will work to predict outcomes while using their fine motor skills.
Mini Board Books (Set of 4):
‘Being Silly’ Mini Book
‘Many & Few’ Mini Book
‘Big & Little’ Mini Book
‘Messy & Clean’ Mini Book
Introduce big concepts in mini books, playfully designed to help your toddler understand contrasts and math concepts.
‘Ready to Go: Pee’ Board Book
Help your child’s potty learning with a story about another child experiencing the feelings around a potty accident and the pride of successfully peeing in the potty.
‘Ready to Go: Poop’ Board Book
Volume two of this set explores the emotions that come with taking the next step in potty learning—poop!
All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon
Nursery Tales by Mary Engelbreit
This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
Kitten’s First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes
Llama Llama Collection by Anna Dewdney
Puff the Magic Dragon by Peter Yarrow and Lenny Lipton
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands by Kadir Nelson
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
The Wheels on the Bus by Jane Cabrera
Fred and Ted Go Camping by Peter Eastman
The Play Kits
Staged-based play essentials: designed by experts, built for babies and toddlers up to age 4.
Learn morePosted in: 5 - 6 Months, Bonding, Communication, Literacy, Books, Child Development
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