When Should I Start Reading to My Baby? (Spoiler: Way Sooner Than You Think)

Parents ask us all the time: “When should I start reading to my baby? Does it even matter when they can’t understand the story yet?”

The short answer? Start right now. Even if your newborn is chewing the corner of The Very Hungry Caterpillar or your toddler legs it halfway through Dear Zoo, reading has huge benefits long before they grasp the plot.

Here’s why.

Reading Builds Brain Connections from Day One

Your baby’s brain is growing at lightning speed in those early months. Every word you read, every rhythm, every silly rhyme is sparking neural connections. Even if they don’t “get it” yet, they’re busy wiring up the skills they’ll need for speech, memory, and learning.

So… When Should I Start Reading to My Baby?

Language Foundations Begin Early

If you’re wondering “when should I start reading to my baby?”, the answer is: the earlier, the better. Long before they can talk, your baby is soaking up the sounds and patterns of language. That sing-song voice you use when you read? It’s building the scaffolding for their future speech and comprehension.

Puppets & Funny Voices Boost Conversations

At Adventure Babies, our story puppets don’t just make kids laugh—they teach. Different voices, tones, and accents train your baby’s ears to distinguish sounds. This helps them later with hearing skills, following conversations, and understanding the rhythm of communication. (Plus, watching a squeaky-voiced frog always gets a giggle.)

Props That Spark the Senses

Books at our classes don’t just stay on the page. We bring them to life with textured toys, shimmery scarves, rattles, lights, and even scents. Each prop stimulates a different sense and helps build memory, attention, and all-round development.

  • Touch: grabbing, squeezing, and feeling textures strengthens fine motor skills.

  • Sight: bright colours and movement develop visual focus and tracking.

  • Sound: linking rattles or bells to story moments boosts listening skills.

  • Smell: gentle scents add layers of learning that stick in little brains.

When multiple senses are engaged, your baby remembers the experience—even if they don’t remember the storyline.

Emotional Connection Matters Most

Reading isn’t just about words—it’s about closeness. Whether you’re whisper-reading Guess How Much I Love You or narrating your gas bill (true story, a mum once told us she did this at 4am), your baby feels safe, calm, and connected. That bond is what makes them fall in love with books long before they can read.

So… When Should I Start Reading to My Baby?

Right from the beginning. From newborn snuggles to wiggly toddlers, every shared story is helping your little one grow, learn, and connect.

At Adventure Babies classes we make those moments magical with sensory storytelling, puppets, and props that bring books to life. You’ll see your baby light up—and you’ll get the reassurance (and company!) you need in the early days.

So next time you’re wondering “do babies understand books?” or “should I read to my baby if they don’t understand?”, remember this: they don’t need the plot. They need you, the rhythm, the sound, the senses, and the snuggles.

Start now. The benefits of reading to your baby really do last a lifetime.