I love books. I love book for any age. I still read children’s books. They make me feel like a kid again. I have a lot of people ask me what books I recommend for newborns and infants.
Do babies this young enjoy books? Yes, it is the whole process and activity. Hearing your voice, at this very young age, is your baby's favorite thing. So when you grab a book, sit down and hold your baby and read, your baby is learning so much. She/he is hearing your voice, being held and snuggled close and being stimulated by the pictures in the book.
So what book should you read? Well, I suggest that you start very simple. Books with only one word and one picture per page are great books to start with. Hold the book about a foot awake from your baby. Why? Most doctors believe that this is where your baby can focus at when they are this young. Having read to many babies, I believe that this is true.
You should try and read several of these short board books to your child several times a day. Wait, what is a board book? Board books are published on hard cardboard, which makes them more durable for small children. The pages are thicker and easier for a small child to turn rather than paper pages. The best part of board books, you do not have to worry about your child ripping a page.
Here are some great newborn and infant books to begin with.
Begin Smart Books series for 0 - 6 months
White on Black, Black on White, Black and White by, Tana Hoban
DK Publishing books have several Baby Faces books
First Words by Bright Baby
Baby Faces Board Books by Roberta Grobel Intrater
(Smile, Sleep, Splash, etc)
Peek A Who by Nina Laden
Remember, babies love to hear you voice. You can read them anything; it is the interaction that your baby will love. You can read them the newspaper, Sports Illustrated, People, a Cookbook. Just include them in the conversation. Stop and ask them what they think. "Can you believe that they are going to build a new park?" Wait and give your baby a few seconds to answers. Then respond by saying "I know you think that is a good idea." Your baby will love this and it will encourage them to start making sounds early.
Happy Reading!!!
