Reading aloud and sharing stories with your older baby is one of the most important and enjoyable things you can do together. If you’re not sure where or how to start reading, here are some ideas.

Baby playing with a cloth book

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Your child’s ability to hear, recognise and use sounds in his early years will help him have success later in life when he’s learning to read. 

 

Why reading with your older baby is important

Sharing stories, talking and singing every day helps your baby’s development. You’re getting your baby familiar with sounds, words, language and, eventually, the value and joy of books. This all builds your baby’s early literacy skills and helps him go on to read successfully later in life.

Reading stories stimulates your baby’s imagination and helps her learn about the world around her. It’s also a great time for you to bond with your baby and share time together.

You can start reading to your child as early as you like – the earlier the better. Our articles on reading stories with babies and children and developing literacy have more information to get you and your baby started.

Sharing books with your baby

At this age and stage, reading with your baby is all about having fun with books and spending special time together. Here are some tips to help you and your older baby make the most of reading time:

  • Share a ‘goodnight’ book or family story after dinner or at bedtime every night.
  • Help your child choose the book, then have him hold it and help turn the pages.
  • Read the same book over and over if your child wants you to. This might be a bit boring for you, but your child will enjoy it because she can learn the story and look forward to what’s coming next.
  • Use the rhythm of the book’s words to bounce your child on your knee, or pat him on his back in time to the rhythm. 
  • Point to the pictures and talk about what you see. Using the pictures to tell a story also gives your baby important early literacy skills. Point to words as you read, or run your finger along under the words.
  • Build on your child’s love for one particular book by offering to read her favourite book as well as a new or different book. 

Here are some general tips for reading with your child:

  • Make a routine, and try to share at least one book every day.
  • Turn off the TV or radio, and find a quiet space to read so your child can hear your voice and focus on the book.
  • Hold your child close or on your knee while you read, so he can see your face and the book.
  • Try out funny noises and sounds – play and have fun!
  • Involve your child by encouraging talk about the pictures and repeating familiar words or phrases.
  • Visit your local library – it’s free to join and borrow. The staff there will be able to recommend books for you and baby to enjoy.
  • If your child asks, let her choose the books for you to read together.
  • Be prepared to read favourite books over and over again!

What to read with your baby

There are so many books to choose from that it can be hard to know where to start. As a broad rule, young children often enjoy books that have good rhyme, rhythm and repetition – and this rhyming and repetition helps them learn. 

Once your baby is about 12 months old, you could start looking for the following kinds of books, which he might especially enjoy:

  • books about food, transport, animals and other babies and toddlers
  • board books, which are easier to handle and very sturdy
  • books that have pictures or illustrations of simple objects
  • lift-the-flap books that have hidden items in each picture for him to find.

Here are some books your baby might enjoy:

  • Body: My First Chunky Board Book by Dorling Kindersley
  • Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
  • Freight Train by Donald Crews
  • I’m Hungry by Rod Campbell
  • Spot by Eric Hill (for example, Spot Goes On Holiday, Spot Goes To The Farm)
  • Toddlerobics Animal Fun by Zita Newcome
  • Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek.
 
  • Last Updated 15-07-2011
  • Last Reviewed 13-07-2011
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