The first time I read a story to my baby, she was 6 weeks old, cross-eyed from tiredness (same, babe), and very clearly more interested in staring at the ceiling light than Dear Zoo. But I kept going. And honestly? It became one of our favourite little rituals. Because even though she couldn’t understand the words yet, something was happening. Her eyes locked on mine. She kicked her legs. She gurgled at the silly voices. At Adventure Babies, we’re proper book lovers—but not just for the cute illustrations and rhymes (although let’s face it, That’s Not My Flamingo is a banger). We’re obsessed because reading with babies—even before they can talk—is one of the most powerful things you can do for their development, their brain, and your bond. So if you’re wondering why read to your baby before they can talk—you’re in good company. Let’s chat about it.
Why Read to Your Baby Before They Can Talk? It’s Not About the Plot
We’re not expecting your baby to follow the storyline of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. (Although—iconic.) Reading at this stage is all about the sounds, the rhythm, the intonation of your voice. It’s how your baby starts to make sense of language and human connection.
Even if they’re just chewing the book or flapping at the pages, they’re learning. About sounds. About communication. About how lovely it is to snuggle up with you and listen.
So if you’ve ever thought, “Is there any point to this?” while reading to a drooling 9-month-old who’s licking the corner of a board book—the answer is: yes. A huge one.
Babies LOVE Repetition (Even If You Don’t)
We hear it all the time in class: “She wants the same book every single night!” And yes, it can feel like groundhog day reading That’s Not My Tractor on loop, but that repetition is gold dust for baby brains.
It helps them anticipate what’s coming, understand patterns, and eventually join in with gestures or sounds—even before they say real words.
So again, why read to your baby before they can talk? Because they’re soaking up every beat, every rhyme, every silly sound you make. They’re laying down pathways that make future talking, reading, and learning so much easier.
(Also, their first word might be “book.” Just saying.)
It’s About Connection, Not Perfection
Reading with your baby is one of those little everyday moments that builds something big: connection. It doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect. Your baby doesn’t have to sit still. You don’t have to use a “story voice” (unless you want to).
At Adventure Babies, we take this bonding to the next level by making stories come alive—literally. Think lights, sounds, textures, smells, and playful sensory exploration that lets babies experience the story.
It’s joyful. It’s often chaotic. And it’s exactly how babies learn best: through all their senses, through play, and through you.
Real Talk: It Doesn’t Have to Be Daily
Let’s be real—some days, just keeping everyone alive is the win. If reading to your baby feels like a lovely part of your day, brilliant. If it sometimes gets skipped because someone threw Weetabix on the dog and you haven’t had a wee in six hours—that’s ok too.
But whenever you can fit it in—during breakfast, in the bath, on the loo (no judgement)—know that you’re doing something truly brilliant for your baby.
Why read to your baby before they can talk? Because it’s a gift. A small one, given over and over again, that adds up to something huge.
Come and play (and read!) with us
Join your local Adventure Babies class to experience sensory storytelling designed by people who really love books, babies, and those messy magical in-between moments. Because every baby deserves to fall in love with stories—even before they can say a word.
