Reading to babies

AngieKay · Joined: 19 Nov 2008 Posts: 5

I am a SAHM/freelance writer with four kiddos ranging in age from 5 months to 9 years old. We've always read to them, but it can be a challenge when they're babies, particularly when they're at that age of grabbing everything.

One thing that seems to help is to vary reading positions. Our baby, Luke, loves to be read to while he lying on his back next to us. Holding the book up high eliminates the need to play defense against a grabby baby. Since he knows he can't reach it, he isn't as distracted by his need to grab and he just listens and looks at the pictures. It is also helpful to put him in the Bumbo seat and face him while reading. That was he can see my facial expression while I read.

We love boad books by Karen Katz! They're so cute and colorful with flaps and shiny features. Luke smiles and kicks like crazy when we read her books. His favorite is "Where is Baby's Pumpkin". Something tells me we'll be reading it well past Halloween!

Angie

poseynralph · Joined: 23 Nov 2008 Posts: 5

I started reading to my son when he was a newborn and I continue that now that he is almost three. He Loves Books.

When he was a newborn we read to him while he was awake and after he fell asleep. The doctor said kids take more in while they are sleeping! He started getting a little graby at about nine months old. We started setting him in his playpen while we sat beside him on a stool and read to him. We done this for a few months and he stopped grabbing and will now sit and listen no matter where he is!!

livelifefully · Joined: 02 Dec 2008 Posts: 7

That is absolutely the best gift you can give your children. As a teacher and Mom, I've always read to my three children and now two are in high school and Wow! has it made a difference. I truly believe it is one reason that they are all good students thus far. However, they did go through phases of not being interested in books, but now everyone is reading again. Thanks to the "Twiight" series Very Happy

Keep reading, it's so wonderful to hear from Mom's that start reading to their newborns.

JessMarie · Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Posts: 5

My daughter's pediatrician has always told me that reading to your children is one of the best things that you can do for them. I have found this to be very true. Not only is it teaching them many things, it is a chance for you to snuggle and bond with your child. It is the perfect activity to end the day, and even a great first thing to do each morning. Reading is even something you can do with your children when they are older and can read on their own. Even my husband and I enjoy reading things to each other. It's a great bonding experience and teaches you to listen and pay attention to someone else. Great topic and keep up the good work!