Reading to Babies and Toddlers

Babies and Toddlers are meant to explore their surroundings. If you keep trying to read with your baby and they don’t seem interested, just keep reading. Eventually they will start to become more interested and may even bring you books from the book basket and sit in your lap, ready to read. You may catch them sitting down with a book, turning the pages, and even "talking" to the pictures or babbling the story.  Remember to make a special time that is reading time every day, even if it’s a few minutes. Have a special place you like to read in the baby’s room, before nap or bedtime. Having a weekly library story time you attend is another way to explore new surroundings, expose your child to new vocabulary, books, song’s and even make new friends. You also can check out board books! And it’s all free! 

Ask these questions as you choose your books for baby...

Can I Move It? Can I feel It? Does It make noise?

Are there pictures of babies? Does it have bright colors?

Are their real objects? Can I sing it?

Could I read it again and again?

All of the above make reading more appealing to babies and toddlers!

Strategies for Reading to Babies

• Make a variety of books available (library books make for great variety!)
• Books that you can touch and feel
• Board Books with bright colors
• Board Books with real images
• Books with sounds
• Books with things that move or lift the flap
• Picture Books with Family Members ( Grandma, mom and dad)
• Books with a CD ‘s
• Books about songs (Wheels on the bus, itsy bitsy spider)
• Ask Questions ( what sound does that make? Do you know what animal that is?)
• Change the sound in your voice as you read
• Think of what they are interested in, does your son love cars, then look for car books, or animals, animal books. There are so many things to explore in board books!
• Join a Baby Story time at the Library
• Check out Board books from the Library
• Read it again and again... they love the language of a good book! 

Some book suggestions:

Peek-a-moo by Cimarusti

Chicka Chicka Boom, Boom by Martin 

Brown Bear, Brown Bear What do You See? by Martin

Charlie Chick by Denchfield

I spy Under the Sea by Gibbs

I spy Pets by Gibbs

I spy on the Farm by Gibbs 

Board Books to look for include:(we don't put these books in the card catalog, just search the board book area)

DK Touch and Feel Farm 

Eyes, nose, toes Peekaboo! by 

Where is Baby's Belly Button? by Katz 

Jen