When Should a Child Start Reading Books?

All parents want their child to be smart, happy and successful. And one of the best gifts you can give your child is the love of reading. 

However, many parents ask themselves the same question: "When should my child begin reading books? 

You might be surprised to find out the answer. Even babies can begin to reap the rewards of books! Research shows that babies can hear voices and sounds in the womb. Early reading helps them develop their brain from the start. 

We will take you through it, from newborns to 3-year-old toddlers, when and how to introduce the right kids books at the right time in this blog.

When Should a Child Start Reading Books?

The simple answer is — as early as possible! 

There is no need to wait until your child is able to read words. Reading to your baby, pointing at pictures and making sounds together are all part of the reading journey. 

Here's how it works at various points:

• 0–6 months – Babies enjoy listening to your voice. Read to them every day.

• 6–12 months – Babies begin to look at pictures. Read High Contrast Books with strong black and white designs.

• 1 year old – Children love touching and feeling books. Read books with thick board pages for one year olds.

• 2 years old – Toddlers like simple stories and rhymes. Use a rhyming book for fun and learning.

• 3 years old – Children begin to identify letters and sounds at 3 years old. Now is the time for children's phonics books.

Latest Blog: Why Should Parents Include Rhyme Books in Daily Reading Time?

Reading Stages by Age – A Simple Guide

All children develop at their own pace, but here is a general guide to reading stages:

Best Types of Books for Each Age Group

The right book for your child's age is so important. This is a useful guide:

Why Start Reading Early?

It's never too early to start. Here are the top reasons why reading to your child from day one is so important:

1. Builds Vocabulary

Your child hears hundreds of new words each day when you read to them. Regularly read children know more words than children who are not read. The more words, the better the thinking and the better the communication. 

This is where a simple rhyme book comes in handy. Children easily and happily remember new words through the use of funny words in rhymes.

2. Improves Brain Development

The first three years of a child's life are the most important for brain growth. During this period, reading helps to strengthen brain connections. High Contrast Books are created for babies. Initially, babies see colors poorly. 

High contrast books with bold black and white patterns are stimulating to the baby's eyes and brain simultaneously.

3. Builds Emotional Intelligence

Great children's books have characters who are happy, sad, scared, and excited. Children start to learn about feelings, their own and others, when they hear these stories. 

This is known as emotional intelligence and aids children to make friends, to solve problems and to be kind to others.

4. Strengthens the Parent-Child Bond

Sharing a book is a lovely time together. Your child feels safe and loved when you hold them and read a story. This warm feeling makes them think of books as happy — and their love for reading remains with them throughout their lives.

5. Prepares for School

Early readers are school ready. They are familiar with many words, the way stories are told, and how to sit and listen. Here, phonics books for children are particularly useful, as they help children learn the sounds of letters and begin to read independently.

What Kind of Books Should You Choose?

Let's look at the top books and why they are unique:

High Contrast Books are ideal for babies. The bold black and white patterns stimulate the baby's eyes and promote quicker development.

For toddlers 1-3 years old, a rhyme book is a good choice. The repetition and rhythm make it easy and enjoyable to learn new words. Children enjoy rhymes over and over!

Phonics books for children are perfect for children from the age of 3. These books help children learn the sounds that letters make — such as "A says /a/ as in Apple. This is the first step to independent reading.

A Reading Book with simple, short sentences is ideal for children 4-5 years old who are beginning to read on their own.

And, of course, there are all sorts of children's books, ranging from picture books to story books, that help children discover the world through stories and imagination.

Age-Wise Reading Milestones

With the proper reading support, your child will be able to do the following at each age:

Tips to Make Reading Fun for Kids

Reading should never be homework! Here are some easy ways to make it fun:

Conclusion

So, at what age should a child begin reading books? The answer is — now, regardless of their age! 

From the first days of life, you can use High Contrast Books to stimulate your newborn's eyes and brain. Introduce books for 1 year olds with chunky pages as they become curious babies. A happy rhyming book will have them giggle and grow at age two. Books for 3 year olds and phonics books for kids will prepare them for reading by themselves by age three. 

Each Reading Book you give your child is a seed you sow in their mind. In time, with love and the proper children's books, that seed will become a lifelong passion for learning.