As soon as they are born, babies are learning about the world around them—and books play a surprisingly powerful role in those first few months. Reading together with babies starting at birth helps support early brain development by building connections related to language, vision, and bonding. At this stage, the best books are simple, sturdy, and engaging for developing senses—such as high-contrast black-and-white images, bold patterns, baby faces, and engaging textures. Sharing these kinds of books doesn’t just introduce babies to reading, it creates comforting routines and joyful moments that lay the foundation for a lifelong love of books and learning.
To help us better understand the power of reading in the earliest months of life, we spoke with Dr. Anna Miller-Fitzwater, MD, MPH, FAAP, Associate Professor of Pediatrics in General Pediatrics at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. She provides both direct clinical care and resident supervision in the newborn nursery and outpatient general pediatrics clinic, and is a co-author of the AAP Policy Statement on Literacy Promotion in Pediatric Primary Care. Her expertise highlights how simple, everyday interactions—like sharing a book—can play an important role in healthy brain development during infancy.
Why is it beneficial to start reading to babies as early as birth, even before they can understand words?
Babies’ brains are making connections that foster learning even before they are born. Brain growth and solidifying neural pathways really goes into hyperdrive during infancy. With respect to shared reading, the neural networks for seeing, hearing and language grow the quickest during the earliest months and years of life. During these so-called critical periods, learning is rapid and provides lifelong benefits. Neural connections that are used more are connected stronger than areas that are not used as much, which may be “pruned” or eliminated entirely. By sharing language with babies, caregivers help babies strengthen these areas. Shared reading and language also help build routines that promote positive childhood experiences early. Equally as important, shared reading is a way to help form bonds between caregivers and their children. This helps babies feel secure and safe, improves their social-emotional skills and is a fun activity for caregivers to do to promote attachment with their babies.
How can literacy programs help caregivers feel confident reading to very young babies?
Literacy programs can help caregivers feel confident sharing language and reading with young babies by providing age-appropriate books that are interesting to both caregivers and babies, as well as supporting caregivers with tips on how to interact with babies and books. In this age range it is important to demonstrate or provide advice for how caregivers can share books with their young babies. Young infants don’t interact as obviously as older infants and children, so shared reading can seem awkward. Most importantly, caregivers should be told that being close together, sharing face to face interactions with their babies, is the most important “ingredient” of book sharing with their child.
In the younger ages especially, the book is a tool to foster engagement and give caregivers ideas of things to talk about. It is not the main point of focus for either caregiver or baby. Keep in mind that very young babies see best at 8-12 inches away, which is also the average distance between a baby and their caregiver’s faces during feeding. It’s helpful to rest baby face to face in the caregiver’s arms or on their thighs if sitting on a level surface, with the knees bending up. Importantly, literacy programs can help remind caregivers that this is something that everyone can be successful doing and there isn’t one correct way to read to their baby. If it’s not an enjoyable experience or they don’t have time in the moment, take a step back and re-evaluate another day. As long as they are sharing language and interacting with their baby in a positive way that is all that matters!
Benefits of Reading Storybooks to Infants
We know it may seem early to introduce storybooks to a newborn, but babies benefit from reading together from the very start. From birth to 6 months old, infants are listening, watching, and learning from every interaction. Sharing a story gives babies opportunities to hear language, recognize familiar voices, look at pictures, and experience the rhythm and patterns of speech—all while enjoying that special one-on-one time with a caregiver.
High-contrast images, baby faces, and tactile elements can be especially appealing to infants, but the most important book is one that encourages shared reading with them. When it comes down to it, reading any book to a child is helpful! A funny story, engaging illustrations, or a book you genuinely enjoy can make reading feel exciting and interactive, even with very young babies. You might even feel a little silly reading a book to an infant, but the more you enjoy a book, the more likely your enthusiasm will shine through and engage your little listener. They may not understand the story yet, but they can respond to your voice, facial expressions, and excitement, in addition to the imagery in the book. Physical interactions like pointing to pictures, making sounds, changing your voice, or pausing to let your baby respond are all playful playful ways to help turn reading into a conversation long before your baby can talk.
Storytime can also be a wonderful opportunity to get older siblings involved! Another child can help turn pages, point to pictures, make animal sounds, or simply snuggle up and listen. Sharing a book gives siblings a fun way to connect with the baby while creating positive associations with reading.
From the very first months of life, reading is about more than the book itself. It’s about hearing language, exploring pictures, sharing smiles, and building relationships. Choose books that capture your interest and your baby’s attention, and make storytime a joyful part of your everyday routine.