It’s never too early to start reading to your baby. Though she may not yet understand the words you say, she will be soothed by the sound of your voice and will enjoy some quiet time snuggled up with you. You might want to start reading the favorites books from your own childhood, or perhaps you were given some children’s books as presents when your baby was born. While your baby is young, you could even read aloud from whatever you’re reading, giving you a chance to enjoy a book too. Here are just five of the reasons you should start reading to your baby:

1. Time to bond

Life can be pretty hectic, especially when you have a young baby in the house. You probably find you spend most of the day rushing around changing diapers, trying to get out of the house on time for baby group and trying to stay on top of the laundry. Reading gives you a bit of quiet bonding time to enjoy with your baby. Away from the hustle and bustle of life, you can both relax and enjoy some cuddles whilst enjoying books together.

2. Reading encourages language skills

Reading to your baby encourages the development of language skills. She’ll be hearing new words, listening to the way you use your voice and learning more about language. According to reports, more than 1 in 3 US children start kindergarten without the language skills necessary for learning to read. You can give your child some extra help by reading aloud, and it’s never too early to start.

3. Reading aids brain development

Reading aloud to young children can help brain development. The American Academy of Pediatrics says, “Reading regularly with young children stimulates optimal patterns of brain development and strengthens parent-child relationships at a critical time in child development, which, in turn, builds language, literacy, and social-emotional skills that last a lifetime”.

4. It’s relaxing

Reading is a great way to unwind after a busy day. Many parents use bedtime stories as part of their relaxing bedtime routine. To help your baby prepare to sleep, enjoy some cuddles in bed whilst you read aloud to her. This quiet bonding time won’t just benefit your baby, you’ll enjoy it too. After a busy day of parenting, you’ll benefit from some focused one-to-one bonding time with your baby.

5. It gives you something to say

Talking to your baby is the best way to teach her about language and social communication, but that doesn’t mean it comes naturally to every parent. You might find yourself struggling for something to say, after all, the conversation is pretty one-sided at this early stage. Books give you things to say. You can read the story but also point out the pictures and talk more about the issues raised in the book. They’re a great starting point for if you’re struggling to things of things to talk about.

What are your favorite books to read to your baby?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

For now, your baby is communicating through coos, smiles, babbling and of course crying. But before you know it, your baby’s sweet coos will turn into baby’s first words. Whether it is mama, dada or bye-bye, hearing your little one say his first words, is exciting.

How Babies Develop Language

Your baby’s language development starts long before he can say real words. Somewhere around four to six months, your little one will start babbling and experimenting with making different sounds. Babies use their lips, tongue and palate to make sounds. Making silly noises, such as blowing raspberries, is more than just cute. It is a precursor to talking and an important part of development.

A few months later, your baby starts mimicking tones and sounds similar to the ones you make, which is why talking to your baby is so important. Although it can vary, somewhere around her first birthday your baby may start saying single words.

As she grows, her language skills will continue to develop. With each passing month, your baby adds words to her vocabulary and understands even more.

Keep in mind, what’s considered normal is wide open. Although your baby may be an early talker, it’s also considered normal for a baby not to say his first real words until he is 18 months. Remember, babies sometimes do things at their own pace, not by the books. But if you have concerns, talk to your pediatrician.

Encouraging Language Development

There are several things you can do to help your baby develop her language skills, and you may already be doing many of them. For example, talking and singing to your baby are excellent ways to encourage language. Although your baby will not understand everything you say, she is still a captivated audience. Describe activities as you’re doing them, point out objects and make up silly rhyming songs.

It’s also helpful to respond when your baby “talks” to you. For instance, if you’re talking to your baby, and he coos or babbles back, pause just like you would if he was talking using words. Make eye contact, be responsive and let your little one know you’re listening.

Reading is also a great way to encourage language development. Consider making reading a part of your nighttime routine. Reading also provides quiet time to cuddle with your baby and help her settle down. While you’re reading, point to the pictures as you say the words. This helps your baby understand what different words mean.

Written by MaryAnn DePietro @ writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.