28 Apr Reading to your baby is one of the best gifts you can give to your child. Reading aloud to your baby teaches them about communication, helps them to focus their vision, encourages them to explore with their hands and builds listening, memory and vocabulary skills.

When baby is under 4 months old, you can sit them in a reclined baby bouncer, and read to them. Pick books that are brightly coloured and have textured surfaces to feel. You can also read to them while on they are on their tummy over your lap.

Between 4 to 6 months old, babies tend to grab and hold books, turn the pages and will mouth and chew the books. Choose sturdy vinyl or cloth books with bright colours and rhyming or repetitive text. Prop baby in sidesitting between your legs or sitting on your lap to read to them.

Between 6 to 12 months old, babies tend to sit independently and can crawl about, so placing baby in a high chair where they can sit to focus on exploring and reading with you is a great way to help baby increase their attention span. Pick books with brightly coloured pictures and one word phrases that are repetitive through the story to help baby learn new sounds. Take time to describe the picture and what you see on the pages.

Between 12 to 18 months, your little one will likely be pulling you towards the bookshelf or bringing you books to read with them.

Making bedtime storytelling part of your bedtime routine right from the start will help your child foster the love for learning and reading for life!

If you have concerns about your baby who is struggling with sitting or if you find that your child is struggling with eye contact or maintaining their attention as you read, why not reach out to one of our Expert Paediatric Physiotherapists at My Favourite Physio on (02) 9790 4233 or DM us @myfavouritephysio and find out how we can help your child today!

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