The importance of reading to babies (And suitable stories for infants)

     How many of you read to your baby before nap or bedtime? If you haven't already done that, it's just about time that you do because reading has lots of benefits for your baby (and you).
     There's no particular age at which you need to start reading to your baby, but the earlier you start, the more words they'll hear and the better they'll be able to talk. 

     Other than the enjoyment it gives, reading has many benefits. Reading aloud to your infant is a wonderful shared experience and can carry on even when they grow a bit older. It's definitely important for the baby's brain. When you're reading aloud to them, they're profiting in many ways. 

• It teaches them about communication. 
• It builds their vocabulary, listening, language, and memory skills.
• It teaches them new information.
• It supports their social and emotional development because they hear various emotions and expressive sounds.
• It encourages them to point to objects, react, look, and touch, and this improves their social development and thinking skills. 
• It teaches them to associate between your voice and being close to you (something they love) and reading, so it becomes pleasurable to them, and eventually, habitual. 
• It strengthens the bond between the two of you.

     So how do you inspire a child and induce in them a passion for reading? 

1- Create a reading space. It doesn't have to be a large area- just somewhere cozy and quiet.

2- Encourage reading everywhere, not just at home. Read menus, magazines, receipts, and so on...

3- Set an example. Show your child that you love to read, too, and they'll imitate you.

4- Connect between reading and real life. Show them how their experiences are related to what they read.

5- Visit the library frequently. Let them choose their own books and stories. 

6- Discuss what your child is reading. Show them that what they're reading is actually important. 

7- Support your child. Don't always try to correct them if they're having trouble reading at a young age. You don't want them to think reading is a chore, or make them feel embarrassed, otherwise they'll refuse to read. 

8- Read every night. Make it a habit.

     
     Below is a collection of story books that I found interesting, and to be honest, I started reading to my baby when he was three months old. His first reaction was to attempt to put the book in his mouth. Nevertheless, he enjoyed the intonation in my voice as I was reading. Yes, babies will always attempt to put the books in their mouths. Soon enough, they will understand that books are not edible, but instead have other purposes, and can be fun as well. I am still trying to find cloth books, which I think are better for young infants, as they can be washed. Please let me know where I can find some!

'Words' and 'Farm' from Priddy Books - Suitable for ages 0+

They have pictures of objects with single words to help babies learn their first words and identify objects.

Alphatrain By Stephanie Miles and Christin Farley - A colorful book which teaches babies to spot objects on the train. This one is more suited, I assume, for older babies, like 8 months+. Younger infants, however, would enjoy the different rhymes and pictures.

Clifford's Bathtime By Norman Bridwell, suitable for ages 0+

My First Book of the Garden - Text by Chiara Piroddi, a book that teaches children the names of objects found in the garden. Suitable for ages 0+

Let's Go to Nursery by Caryl Hart and Lauren Tobia, a storybook suitable for ages 0+

Playtime, a book that teaches children the names of objects. Suitable for ages 0+