Do you read to your baby every day/night?

Question

How often do you read to your baby and what's their age?

My son is 9 months old. I try to read to him at least every other night, but lately since he's becoming more mobile, he doesn't want to sit while I read to him. I know that reading helps improve a baby's vocabulary, etc, so should I keep reading to him while he's on the floor playing?

Answer 1

I always try to read to my (15mo) son everyday. Some times he's interested in it, sometimes he isn't. I've done this since he was born pretty much, and about once a day or every other day, he will come up to me with a book and we'll read it together. Once he loses interest, I usually just put the book up. (I actually have a low table I set all of his books on so that when he does want to read, he is able to bring them to me). I really don't push it though if he doesn't want to. =) As long as you're making the attempt, I think that's good enough.

One thing that I had heard about a long time ago.. is that having closed captioning or subtitles on while a movie is playing can help also.

My son is a HUGE Wiggles fan, and I typically leave the subtitles on while he's watching those. I can't remember where I heard it from, but it said that after a while, your kids can begin to associate the words that are being spoken to the words being displayed on the screen and this can help with developing vocabulary.  

Answer 2

I never read to my son until he showed an interest.  He's 28 months and knows all of his letters except lower case l (thinks its upper case I or 1) and can read about 20 words at least.

He has been obsessed with letters and numbers since he was about a year old.

I think the biggest reason is because *I* read all the time and he wants to be just like mommy.  I read while he falls asleep, we go to the bookstore all the time and I read while he plays with the toys and kids, I read during the day if I need to destress, I read while he plays in the tub.  Daddy reads all the time too.

If he's a busy baby try singing songs with actions to get his attention.

But don't stress yourself out.  Even though studies show that kids in daycare speak more/sooner by age 4-5 its all evened out.

Answer 3

I do.  I read to him before he was born too =0)  I lay him in his crib and read him a couple of books before he gets his bedtime bottle each night.  He may or may not be listening but I read anyways.

Answer 4

You can also sing to him while he's playing...or read the paper out loud at breakfast...at this age...you don't have to actually "sit still" and read together.  

As long as he hears your voice, expressions and phonics its all good!

Answer 5

its hard to read to kids until they're around 2 years old, when they can grasp the meaning of story time. until that age, they learn more from pointing at toys and giving them names, or showing you things which you give a title to.

Answer 6

Yes!  I haven't incorporated reading into our bedtime routine yet, just because Eli (10 months) is very squirmy these days and it seems to excite him rather that calm him at night!  But I do try to read at least one book to him when I get home from work.  While he is playing is good!  What we do is lay on our backs on my bed and I hold the book up so that he can't snatch it out of my hands.  It's never a long book, most of the Dr. Suess books are perfect for him these days!

Answer 7

My baby's not here yet but I read to him a couple times a week..I can't help it, I'm excited. ;-)

Answer 8

Its so good that you read to your son. I think thats one of the best things a parent can do for their child. I also try to read to my lil one, as much as she will let me. My daughter is almost 10 months old ( in 2 days!!) and she doesn't sit unless its her favorite book of the moment. Lately that has been a fuzzy cloth book called "Charlie the Chick" She lights up every time I pull it out. Before that it was "Hello Bee, Hello Me" She has her preferences, even at a young age...gotta give her that!! I've always tries to read to her and if she just wanted to play with the book, that was fine too. I wouldn't force a baby to sit and listen...the most important thing is they gain exposure to books and to print.  It absolutely melts my heart when I see her looking at one of her books on her own. You might want to try reading while he is nursing or having a bottle, If its not too hard to juggle :)  That way he will be more relaxed and may be able to enjoy the story and having you read a bit more.

Answer 9

No, not every day or night.  We don't have a routine for it (like doing it before bedtime), we just read if we are feeling like it.  Probably at least every other day.  Emma likes books that have texture like she has a book about ducks where the actual ducks are fuzzy.

Answer 10

Are you kidding? We tried this with a board book, and he still managed to destroy it. He will not sit still for reading. And if the pages are paper, forget it. It's more fun to grab it and crinkle the pages. I'll wait till he's a little older to try this. I have a whole stash of books just waiting for him... He's only 10 months old, so there's plenty of time for reading later.

Answer 11

I kinda feel that everyone wants kids to grow up faster then they really need too.  My parents didn't read to me ALL the time, and I turned out great.  

He is learning and doesn't just have to READ to learn.  You can take him for walks and point out things you see and tell him color names and sing the ABC song.  Plus, they do make some great videos, you could watch with your child.

My son is 13 months and is starting to like books a little more, and will sit through ONE then plays with the book forever.  I wouldn't worry to much.  

Answer 12

My kids are 14, 13, 11, 9, 6, and 4. I read a bedtime story to my two younger kids each night. And in the morning while we eat breakfast, my husband will usually read at least part of the newspaper out loud and sometimes if we have time, we will discuss it. My advice would be to read a little bit, even if you can't finish it.

Answer 13

My son loves to look (and me read) him books. Thats the only way i can get him to be still!! (hes one) I sit him on my lap and we look at book.

It is good to read to him. If he is too busy during the day try reading to him after his bottle and bath at night, he'll be a little more calm. Good Luck!

Answer 14

Well he's 7 months and doesn't really care to look at what I'm reading but likes to watch my face and mouth and we read my parenting mag's and newspaper and food mag's and stuff about politics out loud and try to do it everyday...Our doc just says as long as he hears us talking then reading one on one isn't a big deal but who knows....we just do whats good for us..