Question: When should you start reading aloud to your newborn?

Answer: From the very first moment, with the very first breath.

Many people don’t realize that they should read to their newborn babies. When you first held your child in your arms, did you whisper, “We love you, baby. Daddy and Mommy think you are the most beautiful baby in the whole world.” You were speaking multi-syllable words and complex sentences in a foreign language to a child who didn’t understand one word you were saying. And you never thought twice about doing it!

But most people can’t imagine reading to that same child. That is sad. If a child is old enough to be talked to, he’s old enough to be read to. It’s the same language. And besides, it feels so good! Some choices to begin with are:

MOTHER GOOSE
Read any version. Newborns respond to the rhythm of these rhymes because they echo the heartbeat first heard in the womb. Hearing the echo is a tremendous pleasure for a newborn. It doesn’t matter that the rhymes may not be understood, the sound of your voice and the bounce of the words are fun for you both.

CLOTH BOOKS
“Sleepy Bunny” (Pat the Bunny Cloth Book) — Help move the Bunny from page to page as he gets ready for bed.

Any cloth book is wonderful for your baby. These are non-toxic, padded books made of cloth — difficult to tear, easily left in crib without risk of injury, easy to keep clean. The best ones are the most simple. They have a single uncomplicated picture on the page, preferably in bright colors.

BOARD BOOKS
“Ring Around the Rosie” and any others in the series by Annie Kubler — This series is especially fun for singing and playing together.

A board book is made of sturdy laminate cardboard. The pages are thick and easy for little hands to turn on their own. They can be handled roughly without tearing and can be easily wiped clean.

“Black on White” and “White on Black,” both by Tana Hoban — For the first two months, seek out board books that are printed in black and white. These books are perfect for helping a newborn’s eyes learn to focus. Babies do see color when they are born, but they have difficulty distinguishing shades and tones.

“Hugs & Kisses” by Roberta Grobel Intrater — This is one in a series of baby face books by this author and photographer. When an infant’s sight is developing, one of the things she can most clearly distinguish and enjoy is the human face—especially baby faces!

Books with non-breakable mirrors are also great for babies, allowing them to experiment with expressions and to develop their sense of self. Why not use your own photos and create a small album for the baby with mommy, daddy and family and pets?

Remember when reading a book to your infant you are providing love, attention and intimacy while giving important language input. Hold and cuddle your baby; he is comforted by the sound of your voice and the closeness of your body. Enjoy these precious, precious moments!

Cheryl Harshman of Wheeling is a mom, librarian and children’s book author.