According to experts, there’s no such thing as ‘too early’ to start reading to your child.
While older babies and toddlers will be interested in the stories and pictures in books themselves, younger babies (even newborns) will pick up on the rhythms of language, and enjoy the bonding experience. Reading to your baby is also a great way to bond, particularly if you’re not breastfeeding.
When your child is very young, it’s less important what you read than it is that you’re reading, so you can choose to read books, magazines or anything else to your child – it will all be of benefit!
As your child gets older, you can buy books that are age appropriate, starting with robust cloth and board books that are baby and toddler proof, and progressing to more complex and delicate story books. The more you read to your child, the more they benefit, and they’re sure to have a larger vocabulary, and be better equipped for preschool and beyond, if you start reading early.
