You’re up to your elbows in muslins, navigating a sleep schedule that feels more like a chaotic experiment than a routine—and now someone’s telling you to read to your baby, too? If your tiny human mostly resembles a sleepy potato with flailing limbs and limited neck control, you might be wondering: “Should I read to my baby even if they don’t understand?”
The short answer? Yes. The longer answer? Absolutely, and here’s why.
Storytime Isn’t Just About the Story
At Adventure Babies, we work with parents from all walks of life—some with years of childcare experience, and others who are holding a baby for the first time thinking, “What now?”
So let us reassure you: when you read to your baby, you’re not testing their literary prowess. You’re laying the foundations for language, emotional connection, and even future academic achievement. (No pressure.)
It’s the rhythm of your voice.
The rise and fall of your tone.
The way your baby watches your face as if it’s the most fascinating thing in the world (because it is).
This is baby-level brilliance at work.
Why It Matters—Even in the Blob Stage
In those early weeks and months, your baby is absorbing everything. They might not grasp the plot of The Gruffalo, but they’re clocking every sound, syllable, and smile. These early experiences help build the neural pathways that support language development later on.
Still asking, “Should I read to my baby even if they don’t understand?” Let’s put it this way: you don’t wait until they can speak to talk to them, right? The same goes for books.
Even ten minutes a day of reading can:
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Strengthen the bond between you
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Regulate your baby’s emotions through your calm voice
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Prime their brains for speech and comprehension
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Instill a lifelong love of books (yes, really—even at three months old)
No Teaching Degree Required
You don’t need to do the voices (unless you want to), and you definitely don’t need to explain the plot. Just snuggle up, open the book, and read like you would to a trusted friend. This isn’t about performance. It’s about presence.
So the next time that quiet voice in your head asks, “Should I read to my baby even if they don’t understand?”—you’ll know the answer.
Yes, yes, yes.
And if you’re still feeling a bit out of your depth, that’s where we come in. At Adventure Babies, our sensory storytelling classes guide you through engaging, enriching baby development experiences—even if you’ve never read a board book in your life.
Ready to make books part of your baby’s world—without needing to be a teacher?
Come and join us for a term of joyful, baby-led exploration.
Your baby might not “get” the story yet—but you’ll both love the journey.
