Why Reading to Your Baby from Day One Matters More Than You Think

Many parents think of reading as something that begins when a child starts talking or going to school—but experts say it should start much earlier. In fact, reading to your baby from birth can have profound effects on their brain development, language skills, and emotional connection with you.

Let’s explore why those early storytimes are more powerful than you might expect.

Building Baby's Brain from the Start

During the first year of life, a baby’s brain develops more rapidly than at any other time. Reading aloud—even to a newborn—stimulates neural pathways and encourages early language processing.

According to Raising Children Network, hearing words and rhythms helps babies understand tone, emotion, and sentence patterns. These interactions strengthen brain connections that support later literacy and learning.

Bonding Through Books

Reading together isn’t just about words—it’s also about connection. The cuddling, voice tone, and facial expressions that go along with storytime foster a sense of closeness and security between you and your baby.

This bonding experience creates positive associations with books and helps babies feel calm, safe, and loved. Studies show that emotional security contributes to greater social-emotional development and resilience later in life.

Language and Listening Skills

Even before they can talk, babies are absorbing the sounds and rhythms of language. Reading exposes them to a richer vocabulary than everyday conversation, which lays the groundwork for speaking and comprehension.

Books with repetition, rhyme, and sing-song cadence are particularly helpful for this stage. Babies may not understand every word, but they’re learning how language works—and that words carry meaning.

Developing Attention and Imagination

Reading helps babies learn to focus, even for short bursts. Looking at pages, listening to voices, and following a story builds attention span and curiosity.

Picture books also encourage visual engagement and imaginative thinking. Babies begin to recognise shapes, colours, and simple narratives—skills that support cognitive and creative development as they grow.

It’s Never Too Early—or Too Late

Whether your baby is a few days or a few months old, starting to read aloud now will benefit them. Even short, daily reading sessions (just five to ten minutes) can make a big difference.

As your child grows, vary the types of books you read. Board books with textures and flaps add sensory play. Stories with animal sounds, simple plots, or familiar routines are great for older babies and toddlers.

For tips on choosing age-appropriate books and making the most of early literacy, the Australian Library and Information Association offers helpful resources.

Reading Builds a Lifelong Love of Learning

Children who are read to regularly are more likely to develop strong language, literacy, and learning skills by school age. They also tend to become more confident communicators and enthusiastic learners.

Best of all, reading becomes a shared family ritual—something your child will look forward to and treasure.

Find baby books and early literacy toys at My Playrooms stores in Chadstone and Camberwell, or shop online. We offer Free Standard Shipping for orders over $89!