Enjoying books and reading stories from a very early age is crucial in the development of children. It helps with their ability to understand words, use their imagination and develop their speech and imagination, as well as being something they really enjoy.⁠

Benefits of reading

The more children experience books the more they will gain the interest and passion for them. Reading develops memory, listening, imagination, social and emotional skills.⁠
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Reading provides the opportunity to learn through touching and feeling different textures, along with experiences different actions.⁠

Growing a love for reading

No baby is too young to be spoken to. Talk to your baby so they hear words with expression and emotion. Make fun noises like animal sounds and look for them to mimic you while reading. As they get older, name and point to objects, talk about what you're doing, like making dinner or going for a walk. Help them explore their world by naming and showing things.⁠

When to start

It's never too early to start reading to your baby. A 3-month-old will love being cuddled on their parent’s lap and begins to associate reading with warmth and love. Board books are made for babies to get their hands around and for them touch, feel, and explore, the same way they explore their whole world.⁠