Last week I spoke a little about the Imagination Library program – check out United Way website to find out more: www.unitedwayhelps.org
This week I am thinking about reading to newborns and infants. Sometimes when we encourage this, we get the reaction of “That seems a little silly. Do they really absorb anything at that young age?” The answer is a clear resounding “YES”.
This is a time they are absorbing everything around them. They love the special one-to-one moments that is just you talking to them, reading to them, hearing the sounds of your voice and expressions on your face. Use books with simple, large pictures or designs with bright colors. Stiff cardboard “chunky” books or fold out books that can be propped up in the crib. Cloth and vinyl books with simple pictures of people or familiar objects that can go in the bath or get washed. Board books with photos of other babies and balls and animals are extra special. Books at this age will be touched and tasted. These ideas are from the Zero to Three website: www.zerotothree.org.
When we are reading with a young child, it is a close bonding time – usually gentle, relaxed voices. It is a time when we can be calm and focused on the child in our arms. Those are the moments that mom, dad, grandpa, grandpa, older brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, friends will remember forever. The infant will not remember to retell it but it will be part of who they are deep down. That is about the most special gift we can give.
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