Why read to your baby?

Reading together helps at every stage. Here’s what the research and health guidance say, stage by stage. Numbers link to the sources at the bottom of the page.

1. From around 18 weeks

   In the bump

   • Your baby’s hearing is developing from around 18 weeks.¹ In studies, babies in the womb first reacted to sound at about 19 weeks, and by about 25 weeks a loud noise can make them jump and kick.^2,3
   • In a classic study, mums read the same story aloud every day in late pregnancy. After birth, their newborns preferred that familiar story to a new one, even when someone else read it.⁵

   Try this: The NHS suggests talking and singing to your bump.⁴ Reading aloud is an easy way to do it, and a lovely way for partners to join in before the birth.

   Stories to read to your bump

2. 0 to 3 months

   Newborn

   • Within days of birth, babies show a preference for their own mother’s voice over another woman’s.⁶
   • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sharing books with children from birth.⁷

   Try this: Your baby won’t follow the words yet, and that’s fine. Hold them close, read slowly and let them hear your voice. A few minutes is plenty.

   Stories for newborns

3. 3 to 12 months

   Baby

   • The NHS advises reading to your baby, using simple picture books and books with different textures to explore.^8,9
   • In a study of about 2,500 families, daily reading with babies was linked with a larger vocabulary at 14 and 24 months.¹¹
   • BookTrust says it’s never too early to start sharing stories, and that it can help you bond and support your baby’s language. Every baby in England, Wales and Northern Ireland can get a free Bookstart Baby pack.¹⁰

   Try this: Point at the pictures and name what you see. Pause, and give your baby time to babble back.

   Stories for babies

4. 1 to 3 years

   Toddler

   • Researchers estimate that a child read five picture books a day hears about 1.4 million more words by age 5 than a child who is never read to. Even one book a day adds up to around 290,000 words.¹²
   • Across 19 trials, programmes that help parents share picture books improved young children’s language skills.¹³
   • A consistent bedtime routine is linked with better sleep in babies and toddlers: falling asleep faster and waking less.¹⁴ Sharing a story is a natural, calming part of that routine.

   Try this: Let them choose the story, even if it’s the same one again. Ask what they think happens next.

   Stories for toddlers

5. 3 years and up

   And beyond

   • In a small brain-imaging study of 3 to 5 year olds, children with more reading at home showed more activity in brain areas linked to understanding stories and picturing them while listening.¹⁵
   • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping up shared reading at least through kindergarten (ages 5 to 6).⁷

   Try this: Keep going after they can read for themselves. Story time is time together.