Books
You can introduce cardboard, cloth, or plastic books to your baby within the very first months. Looking at a book is a great way to connect and spend time together. Your child will enjoy being near you and listening to you speak.
Libraries have lots of books for babies. This allows you to explore different books for free.
At first, a book is a toy for your child; they’ll put it in their mouth, throw it, and hit it. Let them explore. You can turn the pages, point, and name what you see. You can change your voice and make noises, like a cat or train, for example. You don’t need to read the text, you can describe the images.
Little by little, your child will start understanding more of what you’re saying or reading as you turn the pages together. They’ll also be able to pay attention for longer. Looking at books with your child helps develop their language skills and interest in reading.
Before age 2, your child still can’t tell the difference between images and text, but you can show them words and read them aloud. Over time, they will gradually discover reading. Reading will become an increasingly important part of their life once they start school.
You are your child’s model. If they see you reading a book, they may want to do the same.
Some children develop an interest in reading more slowly or less easily. You can continue to leave books lying around and read aloud to your child, even if they don’t seem very interested. You can also go to the library to encourage their interest.
Many libraries offer a free Books for Babies welcome kit.