Reading with your baby: little moments with books
Share books with your baby in short, relaxed moments. Try pictures, familiar songs and simple stories, following your baby's interest and pace.
Reading with your baby can be a few quiet minutes with a picture book, a song you both know or a story about your family. You can begin from birth. Your baby does not need to understand every word, and you do not need to finish the book.
For families coming to Cuddly Bear Day Care Centre in Woodlands, a favourite book can also be something to share with educators. Tell us which pictures, sounds or songs catch your baby’s attention.
How can I start reading with my baby?
Choose a moment when your baby seems comfortable and interested. Hold them close enough to see your face and the page. Point to a picture, name it, then pause. A look, a movement or a sound can be your baby’s turn in the conversation.
You can describe the pictures in your own words. If a page shows a dog, try a dog sound or talk about a dog your baby knows. A familiar voice and a little back-and-forth are enough to make this a shared activity.
- Reduce background noise so your baby can hear you.
- Try different voices, gentle rhythms and songs.
- Repeat a page if your baby wants to look again.
- Put the book down when your baby turns away or needs a break.
Which books are useful for babies?
Look for sturdy books with clear pictures, faces or familiar objects. Cloth books and board books can be easier to handle together. Check that books are suitable for your baby’s age and in good condition.
You do not need a large collection. A few favourites can give you plenty to talk about, and your local library can help you find more. Rhymes and repeated phrases can be enjoyable even before your baby starts using words.
Can we read in our home language?
Yes. Use the language you feel comfortable speaking. You can tell a story from a picture, sing a song from your childhood or describe a family photo. Our guide to supporting your child’s home language has more ideas for keeping family languages part of daily life.
What if my baby will not sit through a story?
Keep it short and follow their attention. Looking at one picture together still counts as sharing a book. Try another time if your baby is tired, hungry or ready to move.
As children grow, choosing a book or turning a page can be a small way to take part. See our ideas for building confidence through everyday activities.
Share your baby’s favourites with us
Our Babies room cares for children from 12 weeks to 2 years. Tell educators about the stories and routines that are familiar at home, and use the infant routine form on our Family Resources page to share useful details.
To visit our childcare centre in Woodlands, book a tour or call (08) 9244 1812. We are at 273 Ewen Street, Woodlands WA 6018.
Adapted from the baby-reading resource supplied for our family newsletter. For further guidance, see Raising Children Network’s reading and storytelling with babies and children.
