When it comes to reading with your 2-3-month-old, you might wonder how much of an impact it really has. After all, at this stage, your baby can’t understand the words, follow the story, or even grasp the book itself. But the benefits of reading go far beyond the obvious, and the time spent together can create a meaningful, lasting bond that sets the foundation for their future development in more ways than one.
Feeling the pages
At 2-3 months, your baby’s brain is developing at an incredible pace, and they’re soaking up all the sensory information from their environment. This is also the age when, let’s face it, everything ends up in their mouth! So, when it comes to books, sturdy options like board books are your new best friend. Yes, letting your baby “read” with their mouth is totally normal, it’s all part of the sensory experience! Reading isn’t just about the story; it’s a whole sensory adventure! Think about adding some texture to the experience. For example, if you’re reading about a soft blanket or a fuzzy animal, why not offer your baby a chance to feel something similar? Babies at this stage are just starting to explore the world through touch, and by linking textures with words, they begin to understand the association between objects and sensations.
From Pages to Bonds
Reading with your baby doesn’t have to be a formal or perfect activity, it’s really about bonding and having fun. What matters most are the moments you share through your voice, your touch, and the little interactions. Your soothing voice can work wonders—speaking softly and using a gentle, melodic tone helps calm your baby and makes them feel secure. Plus, don’t underestimate the power of touch! When you lightly stroke your baby’s arm or back, it releases oxytocin, the “love hormone,” which deepens your connection and reduces stress for both of you.
And here’s a great tip: try skin-to-skin contact while you read! Holding your baby against your bare chest creates a cozy, warm space that really enhances that bond. As you read, those gentle strokes and the closeness make the experience even more special.
Telling your baby a story—whether made up or from a book—is a wonderful way to engage with them; to learn how to enhance this experience with intonation and observation, watch this video.
Make it interactive
Here are a few tips to make reading an easy and enjoyable experience for both of you.
While your baby is doing tummy time, why not make it a reading time too? Lie on the floor next to them and hold the book in front of both of you. This gives them something interesting to look at, but it also helps strengthen their neck and chest muscles as they lift their head to see the pictures. It’s like a two-for-one activity!
Also, your baby is starting to babble, imitate sounds, and even smile at the sound of your voice. When your little one makes any vowel sounds like “eh” or “ah,”imitate those sounds back to them, exaggerating them. This back-and-forth exchange builds early communication and it encourages them to keep vocalizing.When saying words like “cat” or “dog,” slow down and stretch out the vowels (“caaat,” “daaawg”). This helps your baby focus on the sounds and might even encourage them to try mimicking you. You’re laying the foundation for their language skills while having a bit of fun!
Don’t forget to make expressive faces up close to your baby while you read to them; watch this video here and try it out!
Switch between showing the book and making eye contact to help them practice shifting their focus between the two. Also, try gently moving the book from side to side. Now, keep in mind that your baby’s vision is still developing, so they can’t see all the details just yet. Bold black-and-white patterns, simple shapes, and high-contrast colors are going to be the easiest for them to focus on.
And let’s not forget about movement! Try swaying or rocking gently as you read. This adds another sensory layer that supports your baby’s motor development and balance, plus, it just feels cozy.
Most importantly, remember that reading together is more than words on a page: it’s about feeling loved and connected.
Book Recommendations
Here are some of the most popular books for 2-3 month old babies that can help you kickstart this wonderful journey, offering plenty of chances for bonding and sensory exploration.
- “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown, known for its soothing repetitive text and rhythmic storytelling, this bedtime story helps create a calming routine for babies
- “Bright Baby Touch & Feel Baby Animals”, includes colorful images of baby animals with soft textures that little ones can touch.
- “See, Touch, Feel: A First Sensory Book”, each page features different textures, colorful images, and interactive elements like a mirror.
Happy reading!
