Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Check out this new Memory
Yamuna
Mom of a 5 m old boy
1 min ago
#cutestbaby
1 Likes
0 Comment
Suggested for you
Reading to Babies - Benefits and How to Get Started
You may have started talking to your little bundle of joy from the time when you experienced him move inside your tummy for the first time. Babies can hear when they are in their mother’s womb, and soon after birth, they may recognize their mother’s voice too. This means that babies react to whatever they hear, so don't you think it would be a great idea to start reading to your baby? If you are wondering on how to go about it, then you need not worry as in the article we shall discuss reading to babies, how you can start it, and how it is beneficial.
When to Start Reading to Baby
If you are thinking that it will be too early to start reading to a newborn baby because he is too small to understand words, then you might be wrong. Babies do pay heed to various sounds they hear, and reading to a baby will make him aware of various sounds and words and will develop listening skills in him. Apart from that, it is a great way to spend some mommy-baby time too.
Benefits of Reading to a Baby
If you are wondering why reading to babies is important, then read the following points mentioned below. You will understand how it the benefits a baby:
1. It is a great way of getting a response from a baby
As soon as you begin reading to your baby, you will notice that after a while your baby might respond to your voice by moving his arms and legs. This is a baby's way of letting you know that he is registering what you are doing for him. Thus, reading is a great way of triggering a response from your little munchkin.
2. It helps strengthen the bond
Reading to your baby is a great way of connecting with your little bundle of joy. When you read to your baby, your voice is gentle and soft. Your voice has a very calming and soothing effect on your baby and it helps your baby feel loved and protected. Hence, this mom and baby time can strengthen the bond.
3. It helps in the development of the brain
In a study, it was established that babies who were read to in the initial stages after birth had better command over a language and had an enhanced vocabulary. These babies showed better mathematical skills too. Also, in another study, it was observed that babies whose parents talked to them a lot in the initial days, performed better in the standard tests by the time they reached kindergarten, in comparison to parents who didn’t invest much time talking to their babies.
4. Inculcates the habit of reading
Although your baby may not understand or comprehend whatever you may be narrating to him, he assimilates the information about your tone, rhythm, and inflexions of your voice. In a research, it was established that when a baby is exposed to more number of words or vocabulary, it helps in preparing him to begin reading on his own.
5. It is a great way to expose a baby to visuals
As your baby grows, his eyes are able to focus more and he can track various objects. Also, from birth to about three months of age, your baby may be able to focus on various pictures and patterns in a picture book. Babies start recognising various shapes and patterns as they grow. Hence, the more you read to him and show him picture books, the more knowledge he will have of various patterns.
6. A good habit is inculcated from an early age
When you read to your baby, you are not only reading out from a book, but you are laying the foundation of a good habit in him. As your baby grows, you will see him looking for books and reading them on his own. By observing his family sharing some fun reading time will help your baby understand that reading is a fun activity.
7. It makes a baby aware of different emotions
When you modulate your voice while reading and use various facial expressions, it helps your baby understand about various human emotions from an early age.
8. It prepares a baby for school
Though it may be a bit too early to start talking about school, it is important to understand good habits die hard and if your baby is surrounded with books from early childhood, then it will be an easy transition to school too.
How to Read Books to Babies of Different Age Groups
Here’s how you can practise reading books to a baby as he grows:
1. 4 Months
At four months of age, your baby does not show that much involvement when you read to him. However, it will be a good idea to cuddle and circle your arms around your baby and then start reading to him.
2. 6 Months
At this age, your little explorer may be more interested in grabbing, fiddling, and licking the book, let your baby do all that and help him get acquainted with reading.
3. 8 Months
By this age too, you will find it difficult to grab your baby’s attention because he may be more interested in holding the book and turning the pages. However, it will be a good idea to exercise patience and continue reading to him.
4. 12 Months
Around this time, your baby may show more interest in the books and may even point at various objects, imitate various sounds etc. while you read to him.
Additional Tips to Follow While Reading to Your Infant
Here are some tips that may make reading a fun experience for you and your baby:
Your baby will love it if you use different sounds and try voice modulation while narrating a story, therefore don’t be hesitant to read the story with voice modulation. Make animal sounds, cry, whine, and get involved in the story, and your baby will enjoy it and he will look forward to reading sessions.
You can also use different facial expressions when reading to your baby to make reading a fun experience for your little one.
Hug and cuddle your baby to make reading a more soothing and calming experience for your baby.
Bounce, giggle, and laugh while reading to keep your baby engaged as you read to him.
Keep asking questions, even if your baby does not understand. This will prepare him for later stages.
When your baby can hold a book, you may let him hold as you read but do not let him put it in his mouth and chew it.
How to Choose the Right Books for Your Baby
Are there any books that you should specifically read to your baby? There is not one definite book that you should choose for your baby, you can choose any fun and interesting book. However, here are some points to keep in mind when buying a book for your baby:
Pick up a book which is small and can be held easily by your baby, as your baby will enjoy taking the book in his hands while you read to him.
Pick up a book that has simpler and fewer illustrations so that it’s easier for a baby to comprehend.
Get books with simpler stories or narrations and which has fewer pages because you may find it difficult to have your baby’s attention for a long time.
Nowadays, books come in various forms, there are 3D books, books with sounds, and so on. So, pick a book with either of these options, as your baby will love to feel and touch the elements of the book. Books with sounds will also capture his attention.
Read a story that is rhythmic and engaging because babies like to get involved in something that is more predictable, something like the car goes vroom-vroom, or train goes chu-chu etc.
These were some tips to read to your baby. Reading is a great way to help your baby to learn a language. Reading also helps in the cognitive development of a baby, so pick up an interesting book now!
Also Read: 12 Fascinating Bedtime Stories for Babies and Toddlers Read more
Suggested for you
Suggested for you
Apples and The Magician: Short and Fun Story for Kids
This story is about a tree. A very big tree, very huge, so many branches and all over the tree were apples.
When the wind blows form the east, all its apples starts shaking, but tree did not allow the furious wind to take not even a single apple. Many a times, wind tried to take the apple blowing from the east and from the west but failed to get even a single apple.
So the wind started crying and told all this to his dear friend rain. Now when the rain heard the story, he thought to try to help his dear friend wind and make apple fall out of that tree. And thus, there were hailstorm and it was rain-rain everywhere. Leaves started to fall. Birds and children got scared and hide themselves in their home but tree used more of his strength to hold the apples. The rain got tired from burning up all his strength but not a single apple came out of the tree.
Both rain and wind, sad with failure decided to go and look for magician in the town and search if they can find someone who can help them getting apples from the tree. The wind went to the east and the rain went to the west. They looked in every town and every country and days went by.
1600 years passed by… and no magician was able to help them. They lost all hopes but one fine day, they found an old man with curly white hair..
Wind asked him for help..
Rain asked him for help..
And they told him about their failures. The old man after five days of talk agreed to visit the tree. For ten days, he came and just looked at the tree but no apple came down. It made wind and rain sad again and they started to lose all hopes. But, on the eleventh day, the old man sat with his eyes closed and used his last magic spell. He chanted the spell.. Gravity!! Gravity!! Gravity!!
As the words went out of his mouth, an apple stuck on his head and his eye got open. Finally, the wind and rain were cheerful and happy to get the apple. They said thanks to the old magician and this great magician was named Newton!!! Because by his new magic he did what tons of the strength of wind and rain was not able to do.
From then on, he was called Newton and his great magic spell- Gravity!! Gravity!! Gravity!!
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
Read more
Suggested for you
Bond between the father and the child is responsible for the healthy family environment
As it is important for any mother to develop a strong bond with her baby but also it is essential for father too to have a deep connection with the baby. But the question arise that how father can able to bond with child when they do not have capablities like mother do. Eventually yes, father can develop his bond with child by spending quality time together.
Moreover, there are some facts and studies which say children who were more connected to their father performs better academically, are more confident as well and also handle the things or stress more easily.
Some studies show that babies can recognize their father since in the womb.The bond between both of them leads healthy environment into the entire family. Father-child bond also relaxes the mom's duties. As it turns the mother feels good about her partner. This can be done by sharing some duty with mom, spending play and tummy time with baby and engaging them with physical and mental activities once the child is old enough.
Father simply can bond with baby initially by eye-contact or talking to baby, playing peekaboo or transferring smile. This is the way one can easily bond with his child. Although it is common that mother take care of her child every need but father may also help the child to go to sleep by cuddling, singing etc., it can be anything according to their comfort, whenever it possible.
Father should involve in child's every milestone like supporting in neck control initially then roll over, crawling and standing etc. Also can any father do things better by listening their kids talk as what they have done that whole day or what they learnt before sleep.
Nowadays, father seems more friendly with child. Father-child bond also make child to learns so many valuable life lessons.As father encourages more risk taking behaviour among children either it would be stepping up, cycling or any other outdoor activity or game.
Some other studies say that after child birth there are level up of stress hormone cortisol, hormone which relieves stress in brain among fathers.
So, the father-child bond not only makes two of them connected but also the happiness of enitre family depends on this. It also makes the father feel more connected to his family. Read more
Suggested for you
A Letter filled with Care Hope Intimacy Dream of a Future Parent to unborn CHILD
My dear child,
Believe you are happy and safe inside me. your mamma and papa is super excited here. Expecting that you now feeling my heart full of love towards you.
Now the world is passing through a pantemic situation due to contagious disease. You don't worry we are safe and staying at home and taking all precautions while go out side. Expecting a new world after your entry with smiling faces instead of masked emotions. You are the hope about you lighting up your life in all darkness.
Your mama is enjoying the motherhood. You make make me little chubby. Enjoying the taste and having healthy foods. Expecting you like all food I having.
I know you express your movements and kicks. Why you some time hiding from your papa? He really wants to feel you. Some time you continuously move inside and suddenly keep calm when papa put hands on the belly. Are you enjoying the papas touch or afried?. You don't worry world's best papa is waiting here for you.
I know you also excited to watch your parents and the beauty of the world.
Some times I felt when hearing some sound you are jumping inside to come outside and experience the external world.
We have not much experience in handling a child. You are our first child. Expecting not trouble us too much. Actually your mamma is little bit nervous about delivery and hope you will reach our hand without much difficulty.
There is only few weeks remaining for our union.We are busy here in getting ready all things that you needed outside. You completed your 30 weeks inside the womb, there is only 10 more weeks to experience the outside world. Sure you will definitly love the world around you.
We all eagerly waiting to see your tiny hands, soft cheeks, glowing eyes and sweet lips. So come fast little champ.
With lots love,
Yours mamma. Read more
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
16 hours ago
Q. i am 39 week of pregnant and having AFI level of 8 is this normal?and is delivery possible for me?
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
8 hours ago
A. yes. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the childdo ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. please tale me how much dengerous for may 7 days old baby and she was 2.9 kg.
Vandana Sharma
Nutritionist
8 hours ago
A. Hello mom the blood sugar level of baby is quite low , could say hypoglycemia as well .
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. hlw hospital bag main baby nd mom ke liye kiya kiya le jana chahiye???
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
8 hours ago
A. hospital bag mein baby ke essentials Deni hogi aap YouTube per dekh sakte hain. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. my last period was on 29 February 2024 according to which I am 8 weeks 4 days pregnant but my usg scan shows 7 weeks 3 days
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. For this purpose I’d like to tell you plus -1 or two weeks is completely normal to be seen during ultrasound till the time doctor does not say anything in order of you need to worry about the don’t worry like I said this can be commonly seen in one plus or 2+ weeks or minus weeks is fine
Ashima Malhotra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
7 hours ago
Q. Am craving to have a burger at McDonald’s. Am 15 week pregnant.
Is it safe to have
Ashima Malhotra
Mom of a 10 m old boy
6 hours ago
A. avoid it
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
6 hours ago
Q. It's my 12th week of pregnancy but last night I noticed some bleeding. So, my doctor prescribed Duphaston for 2 weeks. Is there anything to worry about? Please guide me.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. at present take rest and use medicines as advised by the doctor. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Check out this new Memory
neeta
Mom of a 6 yr 1 m old boy
New Memory
Aarav s annual day function
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Shipra
Mom of a 2 yr 4 m old girl
New Memory
#lilsuperstar
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Pinky
Guardian of a 11 m old boy
2 mins ago
#cutestbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Neelima Swain
Mom of a 3 m old boy
4 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive