At 27 weeks pregnant, your baby can already recognize your voice. I remember singing lullabies to my little ones, just to practice, before they were born. Isn’t it amazing that your little baby can already recognize your voice on the day they are born? A familiar loving voice can be soothing, even before birth.

If you’re wondering when to start reading to your baby, here’s the simple answer: right now! Whether you’re still pregnant or have a newborn, it’s never too early to begin sharing the joy of books with your little one. 

Why Start Reading So Early?

Think about your baby’s earliest experiences: they constantly learn about their world through sounds, sights, and interactions. Reading provides all three! Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that reading to babies from birth (or even before) helps build language skills and promotes parent-child bonding.

My daughter loved little tags when she was little, and we had a cloth book with various textures and flaps, just like tags, that she enjoyed playing with and chewing on. Books for babies don’t have to be paper. They can be textures, colors, and shapes.

Reading During Pregnancy

Your baby can hear your voice around 18 weeks into pregnancy, and by 25-26 weeks, they respond to familiar sounds and voices. Reading aloud during pregnancy:

• Helps your baby recognize your voice
• Creates a soothing routine you can continue after birth
• Gets you in the habit of regular reading
• Reduces your stress levels

Birth to 3 Months: Starting Your Reading Journey

At this age, your baby may seem more interested in eating the book than looking at it – and that’s perfectly normal! What matters most is:

• Your soothing voice
• The rhythm of language
• Close physical contact
• Simple, high-contrast images

For detailed recommendations on the best books for this age, check out our Complete Guide to Family Read-Aloud Books by Age.

3-6 Months: Building Interest

When my son was this age, he would get excited and squeal when something was interesting to him. I remember reading Pat the Bunny to him and his sister, and they would both squeal and enjoy the story.

Your baby is now more alert and engaged. They might:

• Reach for pages
• Respond to different voices
• Show excitement at favorite books
• Track images with their eyes

6-12 Months: Active Participation

This is when reading gets really fun! Babies at this age:

• Point at pictures
• Make sounds while you read
• Turn pages (though not always at the right time!)
• Show clear preferences for certain books

Tips for Reading Success

Keep Sessions Short

• Start with 2-3 minutes
• Follow your baby’s interest level
• Don’t force it if they’re fussy

Make It Interactive

• Point to pictures
• Use different voices
• Add sound effects
• Let them touch the pages

Create a Routine

For more ideas on establishing a family reading routine, visit our guide on How to Make Family Reading Time Special.

Choose the Right Books

• Board books for durability
• High-contrast images for young babies
• Simple, clear pictures
• Short, rhythmic text

Signs Your Baby Is Benefiting

Even when your baby seems more interested in chewing books than reading them, they’re still learning! Look for these signs:

• Increased attention during reading time
• Recognition of favorite books
• Reaching for books independently
• Babbling while you read
• Emotional responses to familiar stories

When to Read

There’s no wrong time to read to your baby, but some ideal moments include:

• During tummy time
• Before naps
• As part of bedtime routine
• While feeding
• During quiet playtime

Common Concerns

“My baby doesn’t sit still for books!”
That’s completely normal! Young babies learn through movement and exploration. Let them wiggle, crawl, or even play while you read.

“My baby only wants to eat the books!”
This is a natural part of exploration. Provide sturdy board books and keep reading – they’ll eventually learn to engage with books differently.

“I feel silly reading to a baby who doesn’t understand.”
Your baby understands more than you think! They’re learning about language, emotion, and the joy of sharing stories with you.

Moving Forward

Remember, it’s never too early to start reading to your baby. Each reading session, no matter how brief, builds neural connections and creates precious bonding moments. As your family’s reading journey continues, you’ll find more tips and book recommendations in our [Complete Guide to Family Read-Aloud Books by Age].

Want to make reading time even more special? Check out our guide on How to Make Family Reading Time Special for creative ideas and proven strategies.

Start today with whatever books you have on hand. Your baby doesn’t need a perfect selection or an elaborate routine – they just need you, your voice, and the wonderful world of stories you’ll discover together.

What was your first favorite book to read with your baby? Share your experience in the comments below!