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!
Specific Benefits of High-Contrast Books for Infants
How do high-contrast images and simple patterns help support a baby’s visual development? Just like hearing language strengthens the language pathways of the brain, seeing images strengthens the sensing areas of the eyes and the visual pathways of the brain.
What are some simple ways caregivers can make reading high-contrast books interactive with very young babies? Caregivers can watch their babies track the images and look for signs that a baby has a favorite page/photo that it looks at for a longer time. They can use the book to help provide something interesting for baby to look at when doing tummy time. Caregivers can also share language by reading stories in the book, making up stories or expanding on the story on the pages. If reading during tummy time don’t be afraid to get into the floor with baby to look at the book!
Are there particular features parents and caregivers should look for when selecting high-contrast books for infants under 6 months? Caregivers can look for high contrast books that have pictures or a story that they can talk about with their baby. Black and white large bold images are easiest for the youngest babies to see, as all have limited visual acuity. Many high contrast books will feature bold areas of color as well, especially red which seems to be one of the first colors babies see. Board books are easier for adults to hold and prop up and are easier for baby to hold and turn pages and more durable for chewing when they are big enough to put it in their mouth.