It’s never too early to begin introducing books and instilling literacy skills. Reading with your newborn is the best way to develop language and cognitive skills. And it is a great way to connect and bond with your infant.
For babies, this means finding board books that are interactive, appealing, and engaging. Look for books with:
- high contrast colors, meaning colors that have a difference in brightness (for example, black and white illustrations)
- photography of real people, especially other babies
- tactile elements (touch and feel books)
- rhymes and songs, which will keep your baby’s interest while introducing language and sounds.
More tips for reading with newborns and infants:
- Let your baby handle and play with the book. Show them how pages turn, let them lift flaps, and move your finger along with the words (Worried your baby will destroy a book? Look for Indestructible toddler books).
- Make a routine with reading. Do you read before bed, in the morning, at mealtime? You can read throughout the day, of course, but try to have a designated time every day.
- Read slowly and take your time.
- Point out different parts in the story and illustrations. You don’t have to stick to the words on the page! For example, point out different animals in the pictures and say their name and what sound they make.
- Make it fun – sing songs, clap along. If you’re excited, your baby will be excited.
- It’s okay to stop if your baby is not interested. Don’t force it. Try again another time.
- Attend a baby storytime.
- Check out books from the library.
For more early literacy information, check out KCPL's Early Literacy page.
Happy reading!
Written by Lisa Clark, Youth Collection Librarian
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