Storytime Isn’t Just for Bedtime: Why Mornings (and Chaos) Are Perfect Too. If you’ve been wondering when is the best time to read to my baby, there’s a simple answer: whenever you can. Bedtime stories are lovely—but if your baby is wriggly, milk-drunk or cranky by 6pm, you’re not failing. You’re just living with a baby. And guess what? The benefits of storytelling don’t require perfect silence, sleepy vibes, or a dimly lit room with a plush armchair. In fact, some of the most powerful story moments happen at the most unexpected times.
At Adventure Babies, we’re big believers that storytime can (and should) happen all throughout the day—including during the noise, the mess, and the nappy changes. Here’s why.
When is the best time to read to my baby?
It’s a common question, especially for first-time parents who want to do everything “right.” But the truth is: there’s no magic window. Babies learn best through repetition, rhythm and connection—and that can happen at any time.
In the morning, your baby might be more alert and able to engage with sounds, pictures and your voice. During playtime, you can weave story moments into tummy time or toy exploration. Even five minutes of reading in between laundry loads or before a nap helps build vocabulary, attention and emotional connection.
There’s no need to wait for the perfect moment. It doesn’t exist—and it’s not required.
Why stories work best in real life, not just quiet time.
Reading a book isn’t just about the words on the page. It’s about your voice, your facial expressions, the rhythm of language, the bonding. You can bring those benefits into your baby’s world, no matter what that looks like today.
Try adding stories:
During tummy time (hello, floor-based reading!)
After nappy changes (captive audience alert)
On walks (describe what you see like it’s a picture book)
While waiting for the kettle to boil (rhymes over reflux? Yes please.)
Even in the bath (just maybe skip the paperbacks)
Every moment of connection counts—and the more often you read, the more your baby learns to associate books with joy, safety and you.
How Adventure Babies helps build storytime into your routine.
At our Adventure Babies sensory storytelling classes, we live this philosophy. Every session brings books to life through movement, textures, sounds and sensory exploration—so babies can engage with stories whether they’re wriggling, rolling, crawling, or just lying on their back wide-eyed.
Our classes are designed to fit into your day and help make storytime a natural, easy part of your rhythm. Parents often tell us that after a few weeks, reading with their baby feels less like a “should” and more like a favourite part of the day.
So the next time you find yourself googling when is the best time to read to my baby, remember: it’s not just about winding down at night. It’s about weaving connection, rhythm and language into the moments you already have.
Whether it’s 10am in your living room or 4pm in the car park, storytime is anytime. And we’d love to show you how.
