Why Is Reading Bedtime Stories To My Baby Is Important?

Reading to your baby is an excellent way to introduce them to the world of language, sounds, and communication. Though they would not understand, they would still listen and recognize sounds of words that they regularly hear. There’s neural research done which proves that when “parents or caregivers verbally interact with babies—which includes reading to them—they learn a great deal more than we ever thought possible”, says G.Reid Lyon the chief of child development and behavior branch in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in Bethesda. 

(Image credit to Babycenter)

Reading to your baby does not only create a magical moment in the room but it opens up their imagination to a beautiful world that is beyond reality. Moreover, it is said that there’s never a too early stage to start reading out loud for your baby. In fact, you can begin reading while you are still pregnant, for your baby could recognize your voice in the womb. But, why are we talking about this now? 

Bedtime stories are neither a mere routine that your baby and you share nor it is just a trick to lull your munchkin to sleep. There’s more to it! “Why is reading bedtime stories to my baby is important?” might go your question. Buckle up dear mummies and daddies, as we will be unveiling the key benefits of reading bedtime stories to your babies. 

Benefits of reading bedtime stories to babies: 

#1 Boost parent-baby bonding

As parents, we might think that reading during babies’ bedtime or nap-time is for the sake of putting them to sleep. However, it is also proven that the routine creates a stronger bond between the parent and baby. True enough, because bedtime stories are the moment where you get to take a break from your adult life and give undivided attention to your baby. 

(Image credit to The Conversation)

Whereas, your baby would only focus on whatever you are uttering from the book for he or she would be free from distractions during that period. Indirectly, the both of you get comfy in a bubble that you have created where time becomes yours. This nurtures the parent-baby bond simultaneously, strengthening the relationship in the long run.

#2 Develop vocabularies and communication abilities

The more you read, the more your baby associates with words. According to experts, babies who listen to reading at least 5 times a day would approximately hear 1.4 million more words than those who learn in kindergarten. Hence, reading one book a day will allow your munchkin to grow accustomed to a significant amount of words and sounds. 

(Image credit to Smart parents)

Once babies begin to recognize words by sounds, they will slowly start to utter the words because it is believed that babies rehearse the sounds in their minds. Now, how cool is that? Thus, a baby who has been bridged to language at an early stage would effortlessly pronounce words, learn meanings and apply them in their daily communication in his or her toddler years. 

#3 Enhances social and emotional skills

Be it a parent, brother-sister, or caregiver, reading to a baby positively affects your little one’s social development skills. Since the illustrations and words in the books work in parallel, it allows babies to develop ideas and relay them to the reader.

(Image credit to Babycenter)

During the process, you will find your baby using new words or words heard to express feelings, thoughts, and emotions. Hence, babies learn to convey their ideas at an early age, thus cultivating their social and emotional abilities. 

#4 Improves cognitive skills and attention

Reading aloud frequently to babies helps in their memory power and listening skills. This is very beneficial for babies ’ progression at school as it helps them to easily grasp what is being taught simultaneously gives them the ability to stay concentrated in the classroom. 

(Image credit to Kidspot)

This is due to the fact, they have acquired the habit of giving attention and absorbing information while the parent is reading bedtime stories. 

#5 Relaxes baby 

One of the benefits of reading bedtime stories to your baby is, it’s a good way to relax his or her mind before going to the bed. Babies tend to be overstimulated, hence reading a soothing story during their nap-time or bedtime is the perfect way to calm the baby’s overwhelmed body and mind. Besides that, have we all ever realized how 21st-century babies are cooped up in screen time? 

(Image credit to Babycenter)

Prolonged screen time tends to affect a baby’s eyesight. Hence, switching them off from the digital world by reading them stories allows them to give rest to their eyes. Not only that, but based on research 90% of babies are said to be their happiest when reading because it opens them up to their little world.  

#6 Increases visual processing and imagination

Do you know that children don’t only hear words but they have an impeccable imaginary talent too? So, whatever you read allows them to open the door to an entirely different world. Moreover, showing illustrations while reading also adds up to their creativity. In reality, when your read to your munchkin, you are encouraging curiosity in your little one. 

(Image credit to Mommy Mundo)

At that point, they become more inquisitive where they start to teleport to their story world since they want to be in the story. There, they can play with Mickey Mouse and friends, fly with Peter Pan, and make wishes to Fairy Godmother. As time goes, they understand their imaginary world and relate it to their real-life events. 

When we have been asking why is reading bedtime stories to my baby is important, researchers and experts have studied the advantages of reading bedtime stories and beautifully laid them to our understanding. We truly encourage parents to read bedtime stories to their babies because it’s an important aspect of their healthy growth and development. 

(Image credit to First Cry Parenting)

Dear parents, don’t worry if your babies are not giving the reactions that you have expected from them. It’s also not the time to give up. So, if you’re newly starting to read bedtime stories or have started but couldn’t bring your baby an interest, then here are some tricks and treats that might help;

Tips for reading bedtime stories to babies:

(Image credit to SCL Health)

• Create a routine and make reading at bed a happy family ritual
• Be ready to read the same book on repeat mode for babies who love to hear the same things over and over
• Snuggle up with your angels as it would settle them to a cozy zone 
• Be silly — make noises, mimic voices, use various tones and tempos, etc.—give the story a life
• Extend the story by opening up for small chats with your babies; ask them questions, point to them what you like in the cartoon pictures, etc.

(Image credit to Kidspot)

Hope we have given you adequate information on why reading bedtime stories to your baby is important. Like icing on the cake, we have also given you the tips that might work on keeping your baby’s head in the book. On that note, we wish a happy reading to your baby and you. Let us know about the time spent with your baby during the bedtime story session and how much your baby liked it. Visit HappyPreggie for more posts like this.