What to read to your baby (newborn to 12 months)
While your newborn baby may not understand what you are reading to them, use this time to bond and build on your relationship with them. They will certainly enjoy your company and the sound of your voice.
Experts advise you choose books that have little or no text with big pictures, given your baby's vision is still developing. Babies are tactile and will want to explore a book through their senses by grabbing and chewing on the book. So the type of book you use during this reading time is essential. Make sure you choose a chunky book made of soft fabric that can take a battering from being pulled, folded, eaten or even used during bath-time.
Use this reading time to bond with your baby and allow them to become familiar with the rhythm and sound of your voice. Monitor how they respond to the story and notice when they start looking away, arching their back, closing their eyes or crying. These behaviours indicate that they are getting bored and need a break.