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As a parent, there are few things more rewarding than watching your baby grow and develop. For me, reading to my baby has become a cherished part of our daily routine. I started reading to him from week one, and it’s been a joy to see how much he loves it and how much we both benefit from it. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience of why reading to my baby has become such a vital part of our lifestyle. From the beginning, I could see that my baby was fascinated by books. He would gaze at the illustrations and listen intently to the stories. It quickly became clear that reading to him was a wonderful way to bond and build a relationship. But I didn’t want it to be just a pre-bedtime ritual, I wanted it to be a part of our lives, whenever we wanted to spend some quiet time together or needed a break from toys. Now, I read to my baby whenever I feel like it, whether that’s during playtime or when we need a change of pace. Reading to him has become an excuse for us to talk and have a conversation. Instead of repeating the same cuddly words, books give us new topics to discuss and new perspectives to explore. Click on the image to shop the book or click on the link below them High Contrast Infant books (0+ months) Tummy time book | Visual Cards | High contrast crinkle High contrast infant books feature bold black-and-white patterns, ideal for stimulating a newborn’s developing vision. We strategically placed High contrast cards over the diaper changing station. As we placed him on the table, those bright black and white images would immediately catch his attention and he’d stay still, gazing at the captivating images. It transformed diaper changes from potential struggles into peaceful moments of bonding. These simple cards became our secret weapon, making life with a newborn just a little bit smoother and more enjoyable. Besides, placing these books within their line of sight while they’re on their tummy encourages engagement and development in several ways like encouraging them to explore and touch, enhancing their sensory development. The crinkly pages for auditory development. And to practice eye moment or tracking skills . Interactive sound books (4+ months) Mimicking sound book | Musical rhymes book Interactive sound books, like the Peppa Pig sound book, have become a wonderful tool for our little one’s learning journey. Thanks to these books, he’s not only enjoying them but also discovering the world of sounds. The other day, when I asked him how he cries, he made a weeping sound and demonstrated it, showcasing his newfound understanding. Similarly, when prompted to mimic laughter, he responded with infectious giggles. These books have not only added a fun dimension to reading but also provided valuable opportunities for him to express and recognize emotions through sound. This other interactive sound book that sings rhymes as you turn its pages has become our go-to companion during travel and car rides. It’s not just a book; it’s an engaging adventure. As our little one flips through its thick pages, enjoying tunes and practicing motor control by pushing knobs and pressing buttons. It’s a fun and engaging adventure in a compact package. Puppet Books (5+ months) Hand Puppet book | Finger puppet book Puppet Books are all about creating bonds and joyful moments. With these interactive books, you can do more than just read; you can make sounds, share laughter, and enjoy giggles together. Slip the five farm animal puppets onto your fingers, and it’s time to sing along to the familiar tune of “Old MacDonald Had a Farm.” Alternatively, stick your finger into the popping reindeer puppet, move it around, and dive into the festive spirit with Christmas carols. Flap Book (10+ months) Flap book link Flap books are like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered by little hands. These interactive books feature flaps that can be lifted to reveal surprises underneath. These books are a captivating way to engage their curiosity and fine motor skills. As they eagerly lift each flap, they uncover playful surprises, whether it’s a hidden animal, a peekaboo character, or a secret message. These books not only make reading an adventure but also encourage interactive learning and imaginative exploration. Touch and Feel Books (6+ months) Touch and Feel | Animal Touch | Poke-a-dot There was a period when our little one would have restless night, and through Empiricism we discovered that was because of limited sensory stimulation during the day. That’s when we introduced these sensory books, and they made a significant difference. With pages featuring soft fabrics, bumpy surfaces, and shiny materials, our baby was fully engaged and interacting with the textures. To our delight, he developed a fondness for some of the animals and began making associations, like saying “boh boh” whenever he saw a dog or “tey tey” when he saw a picture of teddy bear. What’s even more endearing is that he recognizes his own teddy bear toy, and with the same “tey tey,” he showers it with hugs and kisses. Night time books (0+ months) Link 1 | Link 2 | Link 3 | Link 4 Bedtime books are magical companions for winding down the day. We introduced night time books while we were trying to inculcate a bed time routine – bath, pajamas, cuddles, story time. They’re the cornerstone of our bedtime routine, helping our little one transition from playtime to sleep. Although we haven’t perfected it, and miss reading to him a few days, I am sure this is a routine we’ll cherish for years to come.