Reading to Your Baby

Others think it's kinda awkward when you read stories to a baby. Especially when she is just a few months old because she apparently doesn't understand what you're saying. But some think it's sweet and nurturing particularly mothers. Personally, I think reading to your baby is an important form of bonding.

By reading to your baby, even before she can understand everything you're saying to her, you're not just bonding with your baby but also teaching her a good habit; reading. You're also nourishing her mentally by enriching her vocabulary as well as her imagination. Teaching your child the joy of reading has a great impact on her life. Being fond of reading will make learning easier and more enjoyable for her in the future.

Reading to your baby can also serve as a bedtime routine. After a warm bath, read to your baby before putting her to bed. In time, she will associate reading every evening with sleeping. It will be easier for you to put her to bed because she knows it's your cue telling her that bedtime is coming.

Here are some tips in buying kids' books.

*Colorful and Fun
Buy books that have lots of drawings and color. It doesn't have to contain lots of words at first. Let the kids enjoy looking at the pictures first so they will not get bored easily. After they seem to enjoy the books, you can buy more books with richer text. Babies will also appreciate looking at the illustrations while you read to them.

*Choose Different Kinds
If you're going to read to a baby, it's best to buy simple story books with illustrations at every page at first. Also, try to look for ones containing words that will expand her vocabulary but don't go overboard. A few words that you don't use when talking to your baby is ok. In toddlers, aside from story books, you can also add educational books. The ones teaching the different parts of the body or simple math like counting.

*Sturdy Cardboard Material for Baby Books
Look for books that has thick hard cardboard pages. Babies mouth/bite on everything including books. Cardboard books can endure your baby's drool and emerging teeth as well as the page ripping rather than ordinary paper. You can start buying 'ordinary' books in you child's 'toddlerhood'. At this time, if you've started teaching them how to take care of books since 'birth', they will likely use the books as intended. For reading and not for teething.

*Buy in Secondhand Shops/Borrow from the Library
Books don't have to be expensive or brand new. There are a lot of shops selling used books in great condition for half the price or less. Or you can go to the public library in your place and just borrow. Just be sure to be careful with it and return it on time.Be considerate to other readers. No one wants to read a book with torn or missing pages.

*Teaches Lessons
Buy books that teaches values. Story books are a good source of values. Find parable collections. After reading the book to your child, tell her about the values that the story is telling and explain why being good is important. Hope these tips will help. Whatever reading material you choose to read to your child, the most important thing is how you bond with your little one through reading. Give a lot of cuddle and smooches while enjoying the book together and make an everlasting precious memory.