Read Aloud Daily

You mean I’m supposed to read to the baby who thinks books are just crunchy teething toys? Yes, apparently, and it counts—even if you’re reading Goodnight Moon for the 400th time or narrating your grocery list because you can’t find the actual storybook. If you’re already narrating your every move like a sleep-deprived sports announcer, you’re halfway there. Bonus: nobody judges your dramatic voices but the dog.

Reading aloud wires your kid’s brain for language, builds their vocab, and boosts listening skills—even if their main response is a raspberry. It’s like a gym session for their neurons, connecting all the language bits so one day they’ll surprise you by using words like 'octopus' or 'catastrophe' in context. For you, it’s a moment to slow down and bond (and flex your improv skills).

How to do it

Pick a book—any book will do. It doesn’t have to be fancy; even a cereal box works if that’s what’s handy.
Snuggle up with your baby. If your little one is wiggly, gently wrangle them into your lap.
Read with expression. Make silly noises and point at the pictures, even if your baby seems more interested in your nose than the story.
Keep it short if needed. If attention spans are brief, just a couple of minutes is enough—every bit counts!
Repeat this routine daily. Don’t worry if you miss a day or if the book ends up getting chewed.

Key Tips:

Any reading material is fine—books, magazines, or even packaging.
Use funny voices and gestures to keep things engaging.
Follow your baby’s lead; it’s okay if they’re distracted.
Consistency is more important than perfection.
Enjoy the moment, even if it’s brief or a little messy.

When you sit down with your coffee in the morning and the baby is awake.

Pick up the nearest book and read one page out loud.

Give yourself a mental high-five and tell the baby, 'We did it!' (even if they just burp in response).

Place a small basket with a few baby-friendly books next to your usual coffee spot so you always have a book within easy reach when you sit down.

After diaper changes, when you’re both still at the changing table.

Grab a board book and read a single sentence or point to a picture and name it.

Smile and make a silly sound—bonus points if baby giggles.

Place a small basket of board books within arm’s reach of the changing table.

Right before bedtime, when pajamas are on and the lights are dim.

Open a favorite book and read just the first page.

Snuggle the baby and whisper, 'Storytime superstar!'

Place your child's favorite book on their pillow each morning so it's ready and visible at bedtime.

While waiting for bath water to fill up.

Narrate what you see in a picture book or make up a quick story about the rubber duck.

Do a little dance or goofy voice to celebrate your literary genius.

Place a picture book and the rubber duck next to the bathtub so they are always within easy reach at bath time.