Babies and books
Sharing books with babies
At the library we think sharing books with your baby is one of
the best things you can do:
- It's fun for you and your baby.
- Babies love the sound of your voice and sitting on your knee
while you share the book together.
- Babies love looking at pictures.
- It helps babies' listening and talking.
- It helps develop imagination.
- It helps babies learn how books work.
- It helps lay good foundations for learning to read later
on.
Tips on sharing books with your baby
- It's never too early to begin reading to your baby.
- Take your cue from your baby. Share books when your baby is
contented and wide awake.
- Stop when they want to.
- Find a quiet place away from the TV or radio.
- As well as reading the story talk about the pictures: if
there's a dog make a barking sound, talk about a dog that you know,
etc.
- Give your baby time to respond to what you've been saying. If
your baby tries to copy what you are saying, give them praise and
say the words again.
- It's good to share favourite books again and again. Repetition
helps children to understand and remember the language they
hear.
- Keep books where babies can explore them - chewing and biting
is the first step to lifting flaps and turning pages.
Libraries work with health visitors to give out
Bookbug packs (free packs of books for babies) to help get you
started.
Don't forget that there are lots of books suitable for babies and
toddlers at your
local library. You can get a library ticket for your baby from
birth and it's free to join and to borrow books.
Enjoy your reading together, share books you both like and have
FUN!
