Things You'll Need:
- BOOKS
- A comfy place to hold and cuddle with your baby
- A mere few minutes of your time
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Step 1
Set time aside each day for reading to your baby. Reading to your baby should be a part of your "routine" every day. You may want to include this as part of your baby's bed time routine. My daughter is 1 month old, and I read to her while she is taking her bottle. I find this is an especially good time, because she is content...and I am already sitting down and fully focused on her with no distractions.
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Step 2
Read to your baby often! Even if you only read for a few minutes at a time...that is fine!! When your baby is very little, there is no need to worry about reading an entire story. Focus on pages or parts of the story that your baby seems to be of particular interest to him. Once your baby gets older, you can begin reading complete stories.
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Step 3
Keep a couple of books in your purse or diaper bag. They can be a handy distraction when you are stuck waiting at such places as the doctor's office.
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Step 4
Listening to your voice is very stimulating for your baby. Vary your pitch throughout the book and offer different voices for each character.
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Step 5
CUDDLE! Hold your baby tight to you, so he feels safe and secure while you are reading. This is a fantastic way for your baby to bond with you.
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Step 6
Pause while you are reading. Ask your baby questions related to the story, pause as to wait for his response, and then provide an answer. One day your baby will surprise you by answering!
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Step 7
Hold the book insight of your baby. Point to pictures in the book and tell your baby about them. Use this as an opportunity to discuss colors, animals/animal sounds, shapes, etc.
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Step 8
Make this a fun time for your baby. If you are happy and convey that in your voice, your baby will learn to associate reading with being fun!
