The Ultimate Guide To Reading With A Baby
Getting your child into reading from a young age is without a doubt one of the best things any parent can do. It kickstarts brain development and increases the bond between parent and child. In fact, the Australian Parenting Research Centre says that reading will provide strong social and emotional development, a better understanding of the world, and development of brain architecture.
How do you get the most out of reading time?
To really make the most of reading time with your baby it is important to really have fun. Babies will require special attention while reading to help them understand all that is being said Some great tips for reading with infants include:
- Ensuring that you are in a quiet space. This will help your baby hear your voice and not get distracted by the TV or Computers.
- Set a special reading space. Make it really comfy for both you and your child to be able to sit together and have some quality time.
- Spend a lot of time on each page. Doing this will help your child focus on the shapes of words and pictures. Ultimately building mental connections between what you say and what’s on the page.
- Point out new and old words. Putting emphasis on particular words will help grow their vocabulary from a younger age, improving their literacy skills.
- Put on voices for the characters and make funny sounds. Make the time fun for the two of you. It will mean that you both want to come back for more, helping build bonds while building on their learning.
But which books do I get?
Knowing which books to choose for your child can be intimidating. Thanks to a large number of fantastic children’s book authors there is a plethora of good books to choose from. Some of them you may even remember from your own childhood! But do they still hold up to todays changing values and technology? Every parent wants their child to have the best influences to prepare them for a bright future, and books are a major influencer.
We have put together a list of 10 books that we know both you and your child will love. While it is not an exhaustive list, it’ll certainly get you on your way to building a great library for your baby.
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar
This classic is an obvious choice for number one. Written in 1969 it has enchanted children for generations since with its distinctive illustrations and charming story. Worldwide it has sold over 50 million copies, and even has an Augmented reality app on Apple’s App store! The book follows a caterpillar who eats an increasingly larger amount of food over a series of days before becoming fat and, spoiler alert, turning into a butterfly. It is simple, educational and captivating, making it a perfect first book for your infant.
2. The Rainbow Fish
This is a beautiful tale best known for its moral about sharing and gorgeous illustration. Written by Marcus Pfister, this popular story took the world by storm, and even got turned into an animated show! The story follows a beautiful fish with scales of all different colours that he is very proud of. One day his friends ask if they can have one too, but the Rainbow fish refuses in a very rude manner, which upsets the other fish. The Rainbow Fish, upset at having lost his friends, seeks out a wise octopus for advice. The octopus teaches him the value of sharing and how he will feel happier having done so. Taking his advice, the Rainbow Fish shares with his friends and becomes very happy. Coupled with its beautiful illustrations, this story will both teach great morals and leave your infant entertained.
3. Goodnight Moon
Another classic, this story follows a young bunny’s bedtime ritual. Published in 1947, this story has been a mainstay classic ever since, providing generations of infants with quality bedtime reading with their parents. The story is a rhyming poem combined with bright illustrations sure to spark your baby’s imagination.
4. Pink Is For Boys
A modern story designed to prove that colours are for everyone regardless of gender. Pink Is For Boys is a delightful tale that encourages girls and boys to enjoy what they love. While the concepts in the book may not be understood by your infant, the colours and simple story will still capture their imagination. Plus the book is certainly going to get some longevity, teaching your child a valuable lesson when they reach pre-school age. Modern, charming, with great illustrations, this book is a must have in your library.
5. On the Night You Were Born
Your child is special, and this book tells them that from the get-go. On the Night You Were Born is all about telling your child how unique and loved they are, proclaiming “You are the one and only ever you”. This beautiful tale aims to uplift and express wonder in your baby about all the incredible things in the world, while celebrating their birth.
6. Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
A book that is beautifully illustrated and simple, focusing on its message of harmony and multi-culturalism. Written by Australian Author Mem Fox, this book celebrates diversity in a beautifully simplistic way, with fingers and toes. It is all about babies, who despite being from different parts of the world, share a common trait, ten little fingers and ten little toes. So snuggle up with your baby and use this book as an excuse to play “these little piggies”. Have fun!
7. Please, Baby, Please
A funny, creative tale about the challenges of raising a child. The book follows a mischievous baby as she tests her parents patience, ending in a hug goodnight showing that despite all the trouble, she is still loved. Filled with vivid illustrations and a charming story, this one will be fun adventure for the little ones and their parents.
8. Guess How Much I love You
This love filled tale follows two hares as the use larger and larger measures as they answer the titular question “Guess how much I love you?” This book is a perfect snuggle time companion for you and your little one, with its love filled message and gorgeous illustrations. Guess How Much I Love You is a must have for your baby’s library.
9. Go, Dog, Go!
This book is a fun tale about highly mobile dogs and is perfect for helping your little one understand colours and emotions. The simple language and humour used throughout is great for keeping both you and your baby entertained while still teaching a lesson. The book is quite a classic, being published in 1961, but always seems to slip bellow the radar. You should definitely add it to reading time though, it is great fun.
10. Green Eggs and Ham
It is almost impossible to have a library for your baby and exclude Dr. Sues. This timeless classic also has to be one of his most famous. Dr. Sues wrote this tale after being bet by his publisher that he could not write a book using only 50 unique words. Well Dr. Sues won, and now we have this classic. Your little ones will love it.
Conclusion
Reading from a young age is something that is certain to set your child up strongly for the future. It helps foster healthy brain development while providing a perfect time for child to parent bonding. There are plenty more books for all different stages of your baby’s development that will captivate them and boost their learning. Bust most importantly never stop reading!