The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.” -Dr. Seuss
It is unclear whether there’s a connection to
any later educational benefits, but numerous
studies show that reading (p articularly from
the mother’s relaxing voice) causes a baby’s
fetal heart rate to drop. Also, the bond that is
experienced between parent and child later
on can start to occur while Mama or Papa
read to the baby prenatally. Participation in
reading is also a great way for other family
members to connect with the baby.
Sometimes we’re so focused on the preparation for the coming of new life and the general
health needs of the mother and baby. However, early attention through reading builds
a wonderful foundation to solid future relationships. It also helps parents slow down,
relax and experience the fun moments of
early parenting, all while enjoying the sweetness and simple lessons (which can be great at
grounding adults in times of stress) of a good
picture book.
So, at what point should we try
reading to the little one?
According to EarlyMoments.com, at about
six months along, a baby is already quite familiar with the sounds of the womb, from the
mother’s heartbeat to digestive sounds. From
outside the womb, sounds are extremely
clear, although about 10 decibels lower. From
week 25 forward, a baby’s primary connection and information to the outside world
comes in the form of sound. By this point,
the soothing, rhythmic sounds of a simple
story should be quite audible, although the
tones and cadences of the voice are more important than enunciation of the actual words.
Which books are best for little ones
in utero?
You can use any of the books that are collecting for baby. Particularly, books with a clear
rhythm and perhaps rhyme patterns provide
a soothing, almost melodic listening experience. Anything from Dr. Seuss and Eric Carle
to Goodnight Moon and Guess How Much
I Love You work well for this. Predictable
books like Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What
Do You See? or Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
(both by Bill Martin, Jr.) are also perfect for
prenatal reading, as well as classic repetitive
nursery rhymes and fairy tales.
But, don’t feel that you need to stick to the
classics. This is your chance to experiment
with newer characters and authors, especially
if you haven’t read a picture book since your
own childhood. There are fabulous modern
stories that are equally enjoyable to parents as
they are babies. Some newer favorites include
Mo Willems (while his characters, Pigeon
and “Elephant and Piggie,” are particularly
popular, try some of his others for a hilarious
surprise), the Llama Llama series by Anna
Dewdney, and any irreverent book by Jon
Klassen.
Whatever text you choose to share, be it
funny or classically heartwarming, it’s the
process of prenatal reading that matters. The
experience of reading will surely benefit your
little one just through the sharing time spent
together and the soothing rhythm of familiar
voices. It also provides some intentional calm
time and peace for the parents and siblings
that get to read their favorite books to the
little one. You’ll be sure to set a book-loving
precedent that will last into your baby’s life.
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