So You Don't Feel Completely Ridiculous While Doing It
Reading to babies can have a significant impact on their language development and cognitive skills, but let's all admit that it feels kind of ridiculous reading to a 1 month old that can barely hold his own head up. Often, when we're asked to read to children, we know that they have some sort of understanding of what is going on in the book and, even if they don't, they have the ability to sit still long enough for you to get through the entire book. But babies? Not so much.
Before you give up on reading to your baby and decide to put it off until "they get a little older" (which, for some parents, ends up turning into NEVER), here are 8 tips to help you not feel so ridiculous when reading to your baby:
Tip #1 - Choose Age-Appropriate Books
We all want our babies to grow up to be little scholars, right? Shakespeare, Mark Twain, we want them to grow up with a love for great literature. We'll get there, I promise, but first, we need to start a bit smaller.
No novels, no chapter books; we want to make sure to keep the books we read to our babies age appropriate. Select books that are suitable for your baby's age and development. For infants, that means choosing books with large pictures and simple, repetitive text. Check out this list for a few suggestions on great books to read to your baby.
Tip #2 - Don't Limit Your Book Selection
This may seem a bit counter-intuitive to tip #1, but bear with me. Many parents think reading to babies means only reading board books. MYTH! Yes, board books are often written and created with babies in mind, but you may find that reading board books may not be the most fun for you and, if you're not having fun, your baby most likely won't either.
Board books are great once babies begin to explore with their hands because it helps to preserve the books, but babies will also enjoy the story-telling that comes along with children's picture books designed for children ages 2-8. And, let's face it, you'll probably enjoy it much more too, which brings me to tip #3.
"Reading is not about the book - it is about the experience." – Dr. Tyranika Abrams, Author
Tip #3 - Make it Personal
When you are selecting books to read to your baby, find books that YOU will enjoy reading. Children's picture books are a great place to start your search. Most authors know that you, the parent, are as much their target audience as the child is and, as such, picture books are often written for parents' enjoyment as well. Find books that you find interesting so that your baby will find excitement in the book as much as you do.
If you like books with humor, try books like "What Did We Miss" by Tiffany Semmons. If you prefer more sentimental books that offer opportunities to sign-along with the story, pick up a copy of "Written in the Stars for You" by Tyranika Abrams. Whatever type of book you choose, make it personal so you both enjoy the experience!
Tip #4 - Make it Interactive
If you choose a book with different characters, use different voices, facial expressions and hand gestures to engage your baby throughout the story. While you're reading, ask your baby questions (then answer them so you don't feel like you're talking to yourself), point to pictures and encourage your baby to help you turn the pages. Reading should be an experience for you and your baby and making it interactive is a way to create that experience and encourage engagement, even at such a young age. And even if your baby doesn't engage, it could still make a pretty entertaining YouTube video.
Tip #5 - Keep it Short and Sweet
Okay, let's face it, babies really aren't understanding much of the story at this point, but all is not completely lost. Your baby is learning lots of things like tone, enunciation and language development during these moments with you. However, the fact still remains that babies have short attention spans, so it's essential to keep your reading sessions short and engaging. Aim for about 5 to 10 minutes at a time.
Tip #6 - Choose a Comfortable Spot
There are few things worse than being in an uncomfortable position for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. When you start your reading sessions with your baby, find a comfortable spot where you and your baby can sit together and read. That could be a cozy corner of the couch or a nice rocking chair in baby's nursery. Whether it be a soft blanket on the floor or a designated reading nook, be sure you and baby are both comfy before you start your session to minimize interruptions.
Tip #7 - Read Regularly
Make reading a regular part of your daily routine. Many parents find that getting their baby into a steady, daily routine helps with things like nap times, feedings and nighttime sleeping. Building reading into your routine with baby can help to get them settled immediately before or after transitioning to a new activity. Try adding reading to your baby's bedtime routine to help them calm down and right before bed. A nice, warm bath right before reading time could be just what baby needs to lull them right to sleep. And don't worry if they fall asleep during reading, especially if that was your ultimately goal (just make sure you follow shortly after). Seems like much more of a win/win to me!
Tip #8 - Be Patient
Don't worry if your baby seems uninterested in the story at first. Babies really don't understand much of what's going on around them and they are constantly taking in and learning a lot of information on a daily basis. At this point, we're not expecting baby to give you their undivided attention. What we're wanting is to create a bonding experience that sets the foundation for your baby to grow to love reading. Over time and with consistency in your routine, your baby will become more and more engaged and interested in books and reading and you'll be raising your master scholar before you know it. It goes so fast so, just cherish the moments.
It's All About the Experience
Remember, reading to your baby is an excellent way to promote early language development, but more importantly, it is a great way to create a strong bond between you and your little one. Know going into your reading routine that your baby will not even begin to understand what the book is about, but will always understand what it means for you to take the time out of your day to spend time with them.
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