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.
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.
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.
…moreTitle: 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
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
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
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
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
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
Although you may read a wide variety of materials, there are some books specifically developed for newborns. These books have:
Check out Go Reader Go book reviews to find books that can help launch your newborn’s lifelong love of reading.
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.