How to Read Aloud to a Baby from 2 to 4 Months Old

If you thought you needed to wait until your child is a little older to read to her, you'd better head to the library right away. Babies get tremendous benefits from reading, including improved listening skills, a better vocabulary and even better gross motor skills. Even newborn babies benefit from the sights and sounds of a book -- so if you haven't yet begun reading to your 2- to 4-month-old, get started now.

Instructions

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      Choose books with sturdy cardboard pages, so you don't get ripped pages from your baby's swinging, excited arms reaching for the books. Books with simple pictures against solid backgrounds, or books with contrasting patterns or faces, are good for babies, suggests the KidsHealth website. Books that make noise or have things your baby can touch are also good.

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      Don't worry if you don't have a lot of books for your baby -- just read the same ones over and over. Repetition might drive you nuts, but it helps babies learn language skills, reminds the BabyCenter website. That said though, it's also OK to have your baby join in on any book or magazine you're reading. Reading aloud is always beneficial, no matter the subject matter.

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      Choose a time of day when your baby is not fussy, is wearing a dry diaper and is generally content. Sit her on your lap or get close to her. Creating this positive environment will show your infant that reading is an enjoyable activity.

    • 4

      Put your baby's books within his reach. When he gets closer to 4 months old, he's likely to start the "grabbing" phase, trying to pick up and grab everything he can get his hands on. It's OK to let him put the books in his mouth -- that's how he explores his world, reminds Scholastic.

    • 5

      Read the books with the same inflection and hand signals time after time. If you touched your fingers to your thumb to make a signal like a duck quacking, for example, do it every time. If you sounded excited during a high point in the book once, keep doing it. It's part of that all-important repetition that's helping your baby learn.

    • 6

      Keep tabs on which books your baby likes best. After going over the same books time and again, you might start to notice that your baby -- especially as she reaches that 4-month mark -- will reach for one book over another, or will get excited when you bring out her favorite. You may be tired of that same one, but humor your baby, remembering that repetition is good.

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