Many parents wonder, “Does reading to my baby really matter?” The resounding answer is YES! Let’s dive into why reading matters for babies & children of all ages!

Why Reading Matters

✨Language Development ✨
Reading exposes kids to language and storytelling, expanding their vocabulary and understanding of the world. Research shows that kids (0-5 years old) who are read 5 books a day (board books & repeats count) hear 1.5 million more words than those who weren’t. Reading to your baby (even newborns) is so great for language development and the other points to come!

✨Exposure to Concepts✨
Books introduce kids to a wide range of important words, concepts, and visuals not commonly used in every day conversations. Additionally, we often repeat books multiple times (which is great for learning) which exposes them repeatedly to these things. As an example- many kids books talk about farm animals but you’re likely not saying things like “cow” “pig” and “sheep” that often outside of stories & toys (unless you live near a farm).

✨Cognitive Development & Success✨
Regular reading supports many cognitive skills like memory, attention span, and critical thinking. Studies have found that consistent early reading can lead to future academic & general success.

✨Bonding & Love for Learning✨
Reading together creates a special bonding time, instilling a love for reading and learning early on. It helps show children that reading is enjoyable, important, and part of every day life. Making reading a regular part of your life from an early age (even as a newborn) helps model that reading matters and will make reading easier as they get older. I’ve also noticed that my baby (now toddler!?) gravitates towards books he’s read since he was a young baby.