10 Opportunities to Read to Your Little One Every Day

As my little boy grows older each month, I love introducing him to new books and curling up with him on the couch to read his favorites a few times before bed. But often, time is scarce, and our reading time, shorter than I’d like. That’s why I asked my friend, fellow boy mom, and author Ashley L. Jones to share her tips on reading to littles. I trust you’ll find something helpful here.

Post by Ashley L. Jones

As an author and avid reader, I know the power of books. Books can tell us about ourselves and the world we live in, or they can transport us to another place and time. Before my son Gordon was even born, I was reading stories to him, and we haven’t stopped since.

If you’re wondering when to start the story time tradition with your little one, researchers have concluded that the earlier the better.

Here are some benefits your baby receives when you read to him out loud:

1) He hears different emotions and expressive sounds, which supports his social and emotional development.

2) It encourages him to look, point, touch, and answer questions, helping his social development and thinking skills.

3) His language skills improve when he begins to copy sounds, recognize pictures, and learn new words.

4) He begins to associate the happiness of story time with books, which can help him develop his own love of reading.

So the question isn’t whether you should read to your baby but when can you find the time in your busy schedule?

Here are ten opportunities you can seize to read to your little one.

1) While Pregnant

You’ve got 40 weeks of nesting, eating, and planning for the new arrival. Use some of that time to read to your baby.

When I was pregnant, I read portions of the Bible and classics like Anne of Green Gables out loud. This allowed Gordon to hear my voice as well as the sounds of the English language. Studies show unborn babies develop the ability to listen to their mothers talk during the last 10 weeks of pregnancy, but the opportunity to bond with your baby over books starts as soon as you become aware that you’re pregnant.

2) While Nursing 

POV: You’re holding a fat baby. He’s enjoying supper. Your lights are down low, and it’s the perfect time to read a calming story to him. But it’s pretty hard to hold a book, a kid, a bottle, a blanket, a stuffie, and read in the dark.

My fix was to start reading stories on my phone. With the help of a PopSocket, I could easily hold my phone and “turn the pages” with my thumb. Plus, phones are back-lit, so I could see the text without having to turn on harsh lights.

Keep in mind young babies aren’t as interested in pictures, so this is the perfect time to read more complex stories that would never work for picture-seeking toddlers. I used this time read several classics, all while Gordon focused on the important task of eating.

3) Morning Time

Mornings can be rough, especially if you have to wake up your little one to stay on a schedule. For a while, Gordon wanted me to read to him while he was still in his crib. I usually picked “Hey, Wake Up!” by Sandra Boynton. This was a fun way for us to start the day.

4) At the Table

After lunch, Gordon and I would read a book or two at the dining table. It seemed that sitting side-by-side, reading at the “big” table together was a different learning experience for him, one that he looked forward to every day. He also had a longer attention span right after lunch, so we used this time to read longer stories. This Thomas and Friends box set was his favorite.

5) Car Rides and Waiting in Line

Have you seen those little books with handles? They’re perfect for car rides and waiting in line or at the doctor’s office because they’re small and kids can easily hold them with one hand. Gordon really liked this CarryAlong Bible.

6) Nap Time

Those soothing bedtime books don’t have to wait for evening. Grab a couple of those or find a nap-specific book like, But First, We Nap.

7) Potty Time

Skip the stickers and M&Ms and let books be your kid’s reward for going potty. The day we started potty training, I took a big tote of books into the bathroom and let Gordon pick one (or two or three), and he jumped on the opportunity. Now, whenever Gordon sits on the potty, he immediately asks for a book. Where’s the Poop? is a classic, but don’t feel confined to potty training books.

8) Learning Time

As Gordon has gotten older, I’ve incorporated different learning activities throughout the day. This is when I bring out the more educational books, like those focusing on letters, numbers, colors, animals, etc. I’m careful not to read these before nap or bedtime, though, because they can be too arousing. This Old MacDonald’s Poke-A-Dot book by Melissa & Doug helps kids learn animal sounds, counting, and how to point.

9) Bath Time

Bath time books are water-proof, tear-proof, small, and lightweight—perfect for little hands (and teeth!). Gordon enjoyed his bath time books in and out of the tub for a very long time. This bath-time book by Indestructibles is super cute.

10) Bed Time

Yes, you’re exhausted and you just want to go to bed. But take a few minutes to read a couple books to your little one right before bed. Pick books that are soothing and simple, not exciting or overly funny. Margaret Wise Brown has several fan favorites, including Goodnight Moon, Big Red Barn, The Runaway Bunny, and My World.

I’d love to hear what works best for you! When do read to your little one? When is he most likely to ask for a book?

Disclosure statement: This post contains links to Bookshop.org, a site that promotes local bookstores across the country. Ashley is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

---

About Ashley L. Jones

---

About Ashley’s Latest Book