Newborn
0 to 4 Months
Newborns naturally respond
to the sound of loving voices. As you routinely read, sing, chant, and rhyme, your newborn begins to understand language, which is the first step towards becoming a reader. Reading with newborns is different from reading with older babies. Newborns have a limited field of vision (approximately 8-10 inches for the first twelve weeks of life), and a tiny attention span. What you read at this stage isn’t as important as the way you talk, sing, and rhyme, and the comforting sound of your voice.
Why read to your newborn?
When you snuggle with your newborn, the rhythm and cadence of your voice soothes and helps build an emotional bond. As your baby hears books, songs, and rhymes, a rich network of words is built, which eventually becomes part of your baby's vocabulary.
…moreReading develops receptive language (understanding what is heard. It also develops expressive language (being able to respond)
Reading every day begins a habit of lifelong reading and ensures that your newborn is exposed to rich language and a variety of books.
Top 10 Tips for newborns
- What you read with your newborn isn’t as important as daily reading, chanting, and singing.
- Hold your newborn close when you read so they can feel your warmth and heartbeat.
- Babies love books featuring faces, black and white illustrations, and simple photos or pictures.
- Give your newborn a chance to enjoy the pictures by holding books 8-10 inches from their face.
- Use your regular speaking voice when reading books and a sing-songy voice for rhymes and poetry.
- Read wherever you find a cozy spot and a good moment.
- Reading and talking with your newborn helps them begin to understand language.
- Using actual words rather than baby talk helps your newborn learn language.
- Enjoy the rich language and beautiful illustrations as you share wonderful books.
- It is never too early or too late to start reading to your newborn.
How do you read with your newborn?
At first it may seem uncomfortable to read books with your newborn, but you will soon get used to it and there are many benefits that come from regular reading. Newborns crave the sound of your voice and need to hear it, so share whatever you read and comment frequently.
…more- Hold your newborn close when you read so they can feel your warmth and heartbeat.
- What you read isn’t as important as frequent reading and enjoyment of language, rhyme, or song.
- When you choose books specifically developed for newborns, hold the book approximately 8-10 inches from their eyes so the book is in their field of vision.
- Adjust your expression based on what you are reading.
- When reading books for newborns, use your regular speaking voice rather than baby talk.
- When reading rhymes and poetry, use a sing-songy voice.
- Read your own materials (novels, newspapers, professional materials, etc.) in a conversational tone.
- Don’t feel you need to limit reading to your rocking chair or the couch. Read:
- in a cozy spot.
- when traveling.
- while your baby is snuggled up in a sling or carrier.
- while waiting (for appointments, in lines, etc.)
- wherever you and your baby may be.
Newborn Book Reviews
Newborn
Title: I Kissed the Baby!
Illustrator: By the author
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
I Kissed the Baby is a wonderful first book for newborns and is a favorite in our house. At this stage, newborns …more
Newborn
Title: Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
Mem Fox “gets” babies in a way that few authors are able to achieve. The words always hit the right mark. The …more
Newborn
Title: White on Black
Illustrator: By the author
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
Make no mistake, this is babies’ first book and it is unlike traditional books for young children. Hoban’s deliberately simple black and …more
Newborn
Title: Bedtime Lullaby
Illustrator: By the author
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
Babies love language with rhythm and rhyme. Generations of children have been soothed with lullabies sung, chanted or shared by a loving …more
Newborn
Title: Look Look!
Illustrator: By the author
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
Newborns are drawn to bold, clearly defined graphics that their developing eyes can readily see when held 8-10 inches from their eyes. …more
Newborn
Title: Everywhere Babies
Illustrator: Marla Frazee
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
Everywhere Babies is a glorious celebration of babies and the people who love them. Many types of families are represented with gorgeous …more
What types of books are best for newborns?
Although you may read a wide variety of materials, there are some books specifically developed for newborns. These books have:
- black and white illustrations that may have contrasting color accents.
- simple pictures, photos, and/or illustrations.
- faces.
- pictures of babies.
- high contrast objects and patterns for newborns’ underdeveloped eyes.
Check out Go Reader Go book reviews to find books that can help launch your newborn’s lifelong love of reading.
Newborns Learn From Listening
- Newborns are naturally drawn to the sound of your voice as you talk, sing, and chant.
- Talking with your newborn helps them begin to understand language. Build their bank of words with every conversation. Tell them:
-
- where you are going together, what you will buy at the supermarket, etc.
- made up stories.
- family stories.
- fairy tales.
- your favorite poems.
- how much you love them.
- Using actual vocabulary rather than baby names or cute abbreviated names (wawa/water, dog/doggie, etc.) helps your newborn learn to speak.
- Newborns love the rhythmical sound of poetry, chants, and nursery rhymes.
- Your newborn loves the sound of your voice (regardless of your actual musical ability), so sing like you are Pavarotti, Dolly Parton, or your favorite singer.
- When you read, sing lullabies, or chant nursery rhymes, you soothe, bond, and have fun with your baby!
- Newborns who hear lots of talking, books, songs, and rhymes later develop a larger vocabulary?an early indicator of academic success.
It is never too early or too late to start reading with your child. Begin a lifelong love of reading together...today and every day.