All the Reasons and Ways to Read to Your Newborn
Reading to a newborn might feel a little one-sided—they’re not exactly following the plot—but don’t let that stop you! Your baby loves the sound of your voice, and every story you read is building their little brain while giving you some quality cuddle time. Plus, it’s never too early to start raising a bookworm!
Why You Should Read to Your Baby
You might be asking yourself “Should I be reading to my newborn?” and the answer is a resounding yes!
Even though your little one isn’t talking yet (or even focusing on the pages for long), the benefits of reading to babies are undeniable and go beyond just storytime. Here’s why making it part of your baby’s daily routine is so important:
Boosts Brain Development
Your baby’s brain is growing faster in the first year than at any other time in their life. So these early months are crucial for laying the foundation for future learning, and reading plays a huge role in this process. When you read aloud, your baby’s brain is actively engaging with the sounds, rhythms, and patterns of language—even if they don't fully understand the words yet.
Hearing language through reading will help your baby recognize sounds and begin understanding words. Over time, this creates the connections in their brain that are needed for speaking, understanding, and eventually reading.
Strengthens Bonding
Your voice has been your baby’s favorite sound since before they were born—it’s familiar, soothing, and reassuring. When you read aloud, it’s not just about the story; it’s about being close, feeling safe, and sharing a moment together. Holding your baby while you read helps them relax and strengthens your bond, showing them they’re loved and cared for. These little moments of connection build bonds that last well beyond the baby phase.
Lays the Foundation for Language & Literacy
Babies begin learning language long before they ever say their first word, so the more words they hear, the better their future vocabulary, comprehension, and communication skills. Reading introduces them to new sounds, tones, and rhythms that will help them become strong listeners and, eventually, confident speakers.
And the science backs it up! A recent study from the Marshall University School of Medicine found that babies who were read to daily starting at just two weeks old scored better on language development tests, proving that reading early on really makes a difference!
Creates a Love of Books from the Start
Early exposure to books sets the stage for a lifelong appreciation of reading! When books become a natural part of your baby’s routine, she grows up seeing herself as a reader. Books scattered around her playmat and crib and lined up on a bookshelf in her room signal to her that reading is an everyday, valuable part of her life.
Encourages a Comforting Routine
Newborns thrive on routine, and reading can be a beautiful part of your baby’s bedtime or naptime ritual. A familiar book and the gentle sound of your voice can help signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down and relax.
Reading to newborns is a simple but powerful way to nurture their growing mind while creating special moments together. The more you make reading a part of your daily routine, the more your baby will associate books with comfort, love, and learning.
Picking the Right Books for Your Baby
Not all books are created equal when it comes to newborns, so it’s important to choose ones that will grab their attention and support their development. Here’s what to look for when picking out the perfect baby book:
High-Contrast Images
Newborns can only see high-contrast images clearly, so books with bold, black-and-white pictures or bright, contrasting colors are perfect for catching their attention. Simple shapes and patterns help stimulate their developing vision.
Simple, Repetitive Text
At this stage, babies are drawn to rhythm and repetition. Books with short, simple sentences or rhyming text are ideal for helping them get familiar with the sounds of language. The more you repeat the same words and phrases, the easier it is for your baby to begin recognizing them.
Sturdy, Baby-Friendly Materials
Newborns love to explore with their hands (and mouths!), so look for board books or fabric books that can withstand being chewed, shaken, and crawled on top of. You can even extend reading time into bathtime with fun, waterproof books specifically for the tub!
Interactive Features
Interactive books for babies are a great way to make reading feel more fun and tactile! Features like touch-and-feel textures, mirrors, or lift-the-flaps engage your baby’s senses and keep them interested.
8 Fun Board Books to Build Your Newborn’s Library
It’s never too early to start building your home library so here are some of the best board books to read to newborns:
1. Sing a Song of Mother Goose - Barbara Reid
Great for newborns because its bold black-and-white pictures are easy for babies to see. The contrasting images help grab their attention and support their developing vision.
2. Sing a Song of Mother Goose - Barbara Reid
Nursery Rhymes books for newborns are great for their sing-songy rhythms. There are lots out there but this one’s our favorite for its beautiful plasticine illustrations that are as engaging for mom as the words are for baby.
3. Anything by Sandra Boynton
With silly stories and fun rhyming schemes, you’ll find any and all of Sandra Boyton’s books as entertaining as your baby does. A few of our favorites are…
But Not The Hippopotamus
Moo, Baa, La La La
The Belly Button Book
Pajama Time
4. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? - Bill Martin Jr.
With its simple, repetitive text and bright, colorful illustrations this book is perfect for your little one. Also, check out Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? to introduce your baby to fun animal sounds.
5. Mrs. Mustard’s Baby Faces - Jane Wattenberg
Babies love looking at pictures of other real babies, especially their facial expressions. Whether it's a happy smile, a frown, or even tears, these expressions help your baby learn to recognize and understand emotions, making this book a must-have!
6. The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Eric Carle
A classic book that’s perfect for babies, thanks to its bright, colorful illustrations and simple, repetitive text. The fun holes in the pages let babies poke their fingers through and actually interact with the book.
7. I Love You Through and Through - Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak
This sweet, simple book is full of love! The gentle rhythm and cute pictures keep little ones engaged, while the story helps them recognize emotions and body parts.
8. Peekaboo Love - Camilla Reid
This book is one of many amazing interactive board books! Its simple, bright pictures, along with the peekaboo element, encourage babies to actively participate, helping them develop fine motor skills while they lift flaps to reveal sweet surprises.
No matter how new your baby is, it’s never too early to start reading to them and setting them on the path to being lifelong readers!
