Ask Doctor K: It’s never too early to read to your baby

Sat., Sept. 12, 2015

Anthony L. Komaroff M.D.

DEAR DOCTOR K: My pediatrician has urged me to read with my toddler every day. Why? And where do I begin?

DEAR READER: Reading with children at a young age helps them develop their reading skills and language. A child who reads with his or her parents will learn to enjoy books, learn to read faster and want to read more.

But reading to a baby is more than that. It’s also a bonding experience. Even though the baby can’t really understand, he or she will begin to connect spoken words to the words printed on a page. The baby will enjoy the sound of your voice and start to develop listening skills. And the book will have pictures that awaken the baby’s curiosity.

That’s why, even though a baby is not yet ready to learn to read, it is never too early to start.

Young toddlers like to hold books and point at pictures. They enjoy looking at books with pictures of children doing familiar things, pictures of animals and simple rhymes.

Older toddlers like to carry books around the house. They turn pages one at a time and name familiar pictures. They often demand that a story be read again because each time they see something new. Older toddlers enjoy simple stories, books they can memorize, books about making friends and books about kids like them.

Preschoolers can usually hold a book without help and turn regular book pages one at a time. They sometimes pretend to read by moving their finger across the page. They like to describe simple actions, such as sleeping or eating, and to retell familiar stories in their own words. Preschoolers enjoy and can sit still for slightly longer stories. They like silly stories and books about familiar activities like going to school or playing in the snow.

Try to read with your child for short periods, several times each day. Choose stories that you like and share your enthusiasm about the book with your child.

Keep in mind that books that appeal to one child may not appeal to another. The only recommendation that truly matters is the one from your child!

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