You do not have to wait until a child can talk to share a story. For babies, books are as much about familiar voices, pictures and closeness as they are about the words on the page.
From first cloth books to much-loved bedtime stories, reading together can become a special part of family life.
When should you start reading to your baby?
You can begin reading aloud from the earliest days. A newborn may not understand a story, but they can enjoy hearing your voice and sharing a calm moment together.
Keep it simple. Choose a comfortable time, read a few pages and do not worry if your baby is more interested in looking at you than the book. Short, repeated stories are perfectly fine.
The best first books for babies
Cloth books, sensory books and sturdy board books are popular choices. Textures, flaps and simple pictures invite little ones to look and explore, while buggy books are useful for sharing when out and about.
As babies get older, they may enjoy turning thick pages, pointing to familiar objects and hearing the same story again and again. Always check that books with added features are suitable for their age and supervise young children with them.
Why are picture books important?
Pictures help children follow a story even before they recognise words. You can ask what they can see, point to an animal or invite them to guess what might happen next.
Beautifully illustrated books also introduce new places, ideas and emotions. A book about an adventure at sea may lead to a conversation about visiting the beach; a story about friendship may prompt a child to talk about their day.
How to make story time part of your routine
Choose a small selection of books and keep them somewhere easy to reach. Read before bed, after lunch or whenever a quiet moment appears. Use funny voices if you feel like it, and let children interrupt with questions.
As they grow, encourage them to tell you the story from the pictures or choose the next book themselves. There is no perfect way to read together: enjoying it is what matters.
Frequently asked question: Should I choose board books or picture books? Both have a place. Board and cloth books are practical for little hands, while picture books can introduce richer stories as attention and interest develop.
Discover more reading inspiration and book ideas at Ebb & Flow Kids.
