Read to your baby

You Can Begin with Board Books

Wondering when you should start reading to your baby? You do not have to wait until your baby/child learns to talk. You can start from as early as 3-4 months and since their vision is only developing, make sure you introduce books with little/no text and with contrasting colours. Choose sturdy baby books in board-book format that can withstand rough handling and chewing. Board books are usually more expensive and you may like to buy gently-used books available in India that are light on the pocket.

Reading for even a few minutes each day is a good start. Babies listen to the parent’s voice and hear the rhythm and intonation of the language spoken. It’s a good idea to use simple rhymes and repetitive text such as ‘Quack Quack’, ‘Meow Meow’, 'Goodnight Moon', which help develop listening skills and early word learning. You can also introduce flip-the-flap books, puppet books and touch-and-feel books with different textures for a multi-sensory experience for your baby.