Babies love reading – Hints and Hacks

 

• A few minutes after birth babies are able to distinguish sounds and be able to tell which voice belongs to their mother or father.

 

• Babies are born with brains that have a huge capacity for learning. Most brain development happens before the age of three. This is the crucial time to help your child learn, talk and communicate.

 

• Newborns love physical play, especially when you gently tickle their face or count their fingers and toes.

 

• From birth your baby is listening so keep talking.

 

• Answer your baby’s noises and babbles.

 

• Sing to your baby. Your baby will love hearing your voice.

 

• Babies are sociable and love to communicate; both mums and dads can get involved in talking to their babies.  Talking to your baby helps create a bond and supports language development.

 

• Babies are fascinated by faces and will copy movements. If you stick out your tongue they’ll often respond.

 

• Snuggle up with your baby and a book. Reading books, talking about the pictures and cuddling up close together will help you build a strong and loving relationship with your child.

 

• It's good to start sharing stories, books and rhymes with your child from as early an age as possible. Babies don’t need to understand all the words, they will just love to listen to your voice, look at the pictures and hold the books.

 

• Choose baby friendly books. Books with bright and bold illustrations are easier for young babies to see, and will grab their attention.

 

• Sing, Read, Repeat: Read favourite stories and sing favourite songs over and over again. Repeated fun with books will strengthen language development and positive feelings about reading.

 

• Join your local library as soon as you can.