Q. When should I start reading to my baby?

A. It's never too early!

You may wonder whether you should refrain from reading to your baby until he is old enough to understand all the words. In fact, reading aloud is an important way for a parent to help a baby learn vocabulary and to stimulate a baby's brain cells to grow stronger and develop more fully. Studies show kids whose parents frequently read to them know more words by age 2 than children who have not been read to regularly.

Benefits of Reading Aloud from Day 1:

• Builds a baby's language awareness, listening, and memory skills.
• Introduces concepts such as stories, letters, colors, and shapes in a fun way.
• Promotes bonding and closeness - especially because babies are soothed by the sound and rhythm of their parent's voice.
• Gives babies information about the world around them.
• Instills a lifelong love of books and learning.