Reading to your baby builds more than a bond between the two of you. Every new word and idea to which your baby is exposed builds new brain cell connections. In addition, the time you spend reading to your children when they are babies will help decrease the amount of time you'll spend nagging them to read when they are older. Instilling a love of reading is one of the best things you can do for your baby.
The perfect crib, the cutest mobile, the most adorable wall hangings, and the most modern toys—looks like your nursery is ready for the new baby. What’s missing? Books.
Read from Day One
Many parents think babies are too young for books, but research shows that babies benefit from story time from the very beginning. Of course, tiny babies won’t know what the words mean and they won’t be able to focus on the pictures, but the pleasure of hearing your voice calms and soothes babies like nothing else. In addition, every time your baby is exposed to something new, he/she develops new brain cell connections. Every nursery rhyme and lullaby helps your baby’s brain grow. The first few months are the perfect time for soothing rhymes with gentle rhythms. Besides giving you some quiet, restful time with your new baby, this cuddly, cozy time with you is pleasant for your baby, and as he/she grows, reading will be associated with something pleasant. That connection definitely helps avoid those elementary school I-Hate-Books Blues.
Involving Your Baby
As your baby gets a little older, he/she will start to make connections between the words you read and the world outside the nursery. This is when books with simple words and pictures, lift-the-flap books, and touch-and-feel books work best. Babies love to look at pictures of other babies, familiar objects like cars and balls, and cute and cuddly animals. As you read the words, point to the pictures, and those brain cells will multiply like crazy. You’ll think your baby is a genius the first time you see him point at a pig and hear that precious “oink, oink.” Another benefit of these books is the development of fine motor skills. Babies will be determined to find out what’s under that flap, and manipulating the pages helps improve hand-eye coordination.
To help you get started, I’ve listed the ten books I believe every nursery must have. Of course, there are thousands of books out there to choose from, but these have been proven to appeal to babies and toddlers, and most of them are fun for the parents, too. Just remember: What book you read to your baby isn’t that important. The purpose of reading to babies is to develop a bond between the baby and the parent, to expose the baby to new words and concepts, and to show your baby just how fun reading can be.
The Ten Books Every Nursery Must Have
The Baby's Lap Book by Kay Chorao
This beautifully illustrated book contains 58 of the most well-known poems and nursery rhymes for young children, including "Humpty Dumpty," "This Little Pig," and "Pat-A-Cake." Babies and toddlers will love snuggling up with you for a reading of these familiar favorites. This is my favorite for those early months when your baby just wants to hear your voice.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle
This is one of the timeless classics now available as a board book. The simple, repetitious, rhyming text appeals to young children, and the big, bright illustrations keep them focused on the book.
Daddy and Me by Karen Katz
Little ones love to help Daddy find the tools he needs by looking under the big flaps. All of Katz’ books are wonderful, but since fathers seem to be under-represented in books for babies, this is my favorite.
The Going-to-Bed Book by Sandra Boynton
The silliness of this book about a boat full of animals getting ready for bed will amuse any youngster, but the soothing, lullaby-like rhyme makes it a great bed-time treat. Boynton’s illustrations are a treat for any age.
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
This nursery classic, now available as a board book, is definitely a must-have. The simple pictures and text are especially soothing for bedtime reading. I have heard that some parents think this book is boring, but remember, you’re reading for your baby. If you want excitement, wait until the baby’s asleep.
Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt
This touch-and-feel book was first published in 1940, and it is still one of the best. Little ones will delight in "reading" this interactive book over and over. You’ll probably have to buy a second copy after the first one gets patted to pieces.
Pots and Pans by Patricia Hubbell, illustrated by Diane deGroat
This is a rollicking rendition of every toddler's favorite activity: banging on the pots and pans. The noisy text and colorful illustrations make it a perfect playtime story.
Toes, Ears, and Nose! by Marion Dane Bauer, illustrated by Karen Katz
What's hidden under those mittens? Lift the flap to see what's under that scarf. Babies will delight in discovering what's under all those clothes.
Who Said Moo? By Harriett Ziefert, illustrated by Simms Taback
When the rooster crows one morning, someone answers back with a MOO. In this colorfully illustrated lift-the-flap book, your baby helps rooster search the farm for the unknown moo-er. Start practicing your animal sounds—baby will want you to read this fun book over and over.
Zoom City by Thacher Hurd
This fast-paced, brightly illustrated board book is fun and exciting. Today’s babies are car savvy, and they love to make those “zoom-zoom” sounds. Some parents may not like the "crash scene," but kids will beg to hear it again and again.