Forget flashcards, unwieldy apps, daily tutoring, or toting a tome everywhere you go. Learning how to encourage a love to reaching in babies and kids doesn’t require a PhD in literacy or even too much extra time. Some of the best reading lessons actually happen during the little moments of life: story time before bed, flipping through a favorite book together, visiting the library on a rainy day, or, really, whenever you have a minute.
That matters because now, more than ever, it’s important to help your child learn to love to read. In 2023, only 14% of 13-year-olds reported reading for fun almost every day, a sharp decline from 27% in 2012 and 35% in 1984, according to the National Literacy Institute. It’s a troubling trend since reading proficiency is linked to all kinds of health benefits, including less stress, better sleep, and a longer life.
Parents and caregivers all play a key role in shaping how children feel about reading. And when everyone is on the same page, it adds up to a big impact. If you could use a little guidance on where to start, we’ve got 10 ways to learn how to encourage a love of reading in babies and kids.
Start Early
It’s never too early to start reading to your child. Really! Some research even indicates that reading to your baby in utero while you’re pregnant is beneficial for infant language and brain development. Reading aloud to babies encourages language development and creates the first chapter (get it?) in long-term love of reading. Scientifically speaking, synapses in your child’s brain connect to neurons when you read aloud, encouraging brain growth and language development. As infants attend to the rhythm of our voices, they begin to learn how language works. When infants see pictures in a book and you name the images, they begin to connect between words and objects. For example, if babies see a brown bear and you name it, they start to associate your words and the image. Rereading that same book bolsters the connection.
Looking for great books for infants and toddlers? Check out this list from our friends at Bright Horizons.
Keep Books Within Reach
You know that old saying, “Out of sight, out of mind?” Works the same with books — so do the opposite! When books are easy to grab from a bin or shelf, they seamlessly become part of your child’s environment. Keeping books in the living room, in the kitchen, and in the car signal that reading isn’t just reserved for bedtime. Add a small basket of books wherever they fit. Sure, your babies might gnaw on them, toddlers might flip through them randomly, and older kids might just look at the pictures… but that’s all part of the process. The goal is clear: Make books feel familiar, accessible, and always an option, so reading becomes part of the routine.
Model Reading Habits
Children are incredibly perceptive, and they definitely detect what you’re doing, way more than what you say. Watching you read, whether it’s the newspaper, a magazine, even a cookbook (as long as it’s not your phone), they begin to recognize that reading is something people enjoy, not just something they’re coerced to do. Even a few minutes here and there will make an impression while slowly but surely reinforcing that reading has a place in everyday life. All these moments add up to encourage a love of reading in your babies and kids.
Let Children Choose the Book
Who doesn’t love the power of choice? When you give kids a say in what you read together, they’re more apt to get engaged in the book. Sure, they might pick the same story over and over (and over), but that repetition builds confidence and familiarity. Giving a child ownership over the choice makes them more apt to be excited about reading time. Looking for some children’s book ideas? Check out this great list of books for every age.
Focus on Enjoyment, Not Perfection
Life is busy so don’t worry if you only get through part of a book. Remember that with babies and younger kids, reading isn’t about getting every word right. Instead, it’s about connection. Share a laugh at the silly parts, point out pictures that are particularly awesome, and let the whole experience be joyful. When reading feels relaxed and free of pressure, kids are more likely to connect it with comfort and calm.
Read Together
If the previous few tips didn’t spell it out, we’ll say it again: Reading is one of the best ways to connect with your child. Snuggling up to share a story not only leads to closeness and attention but it helps kids make warm and fuzzy associations with reading. These moments matter much more than the book itself. They’re what make reading feel special and help build an affinity for it.
Follow Your Child’s Pace
Just like your tempo shifts on different days, your child’s reading rhythm might do the same. Some days they might want to sit for several stories at a time, and other days they might lose interest after a few pages. That’s to be expected and completely normal. Respond to their cues — maybe they want to pause and study a picture or confirm what’s going on in the story. Allowing them to take the lead helps keep reading from feeling like a chore.
Ask Open-Ended Questions
As your child grows, you can transform reading into a conversation that not only bolsters your parent-child bond but also promotes critical thinking. Asking questions like, “What do you think happens next?” or “How do you think they feel?” can be a great way to encourage reading comprehension, imagination, and confidence, well before they reach kindergarten. It will also keep the reading experience interactive and fun.
Build Reading Into Daily Routines
No need to haul out your calendar and block your schedule. Reading doesn’t have to be a major event to make an impact. As we’ve mentioned, it works best when it’s thoughtfully woven into the moments you already have. Think before bed, after lunch, while winding down after school, or really anytime you feel is right. Even a few minutes a day adds up. Over time, these small, nurturing moments help kids see reading as a natural part of their day.
Celebrate Effort
When kids start learning to read, zero in on the positive. Forget focusing on getting every word right. Confidence builds faster when you focus on effort rather than perfection. If they try to sound out a challenging word, flip a page on their own, or stick with a book a bit longer than usual, that’s worth acknowledging and celebrating. Encouraging kids (not constantly correcting them) makes them more likely to keep trying which in turn builds progress.
Like a muscle, reading is a skill that develops gradually. Each and every child moves at their own pace. Some kids dive in quickly, while others take their (extra) time to feel comfortable. Both are totally normal. What matters most: Creating a supportive environment where they feel safe to learn, make mistakes, and grow. With consistency and encouragement, confidence and proficiency tend to follow naturally. And that’s the perfect way to encourage a love of reading in your babies and kids.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reading for Babies and Kids
When should I start reading to my baby?
It’s never too early! You can start reading to your baby when you’re pregnant and during in the infant months. Newborns definitely benefit from simply hearing your voice, and early exposure to reading fosters the development of language skills, a familiarity with books, and a deep appreciation of story time. Short, simple reading moments — say, a few minutes before nap time or right before bed —can make a major impact over time.
How can I encourage my child to enjoy reading?
Make reading feel fun, entertaining, engaging, and — this one is big — pressure-free. Ask your child to choose books they’re interested in checking out or ones that match their interests, whether that’s farm animals, trains, fairy tales, or dinosaurs. Reading together consistently, using different voices for different characters, and discussing the story throughout can transform reading from a task into pure joy.
What if my child doesn’t seem interested in books?
Don’t worry: It’s totally normal for kids to go through phases where their interest in books wane. Sometimes simply switching up the format — from picture books to interactive books to telling a story without a book. And, when you connect reading to their daily life or favorite activities, it can feel more fascinating or, at least, relevant.
How long should I read to my child each day?
Totally up to you. Even if you have 5 minutes, every little bit counts, especially for younger children with shorter attention spans. The goal is building a routine that creates positive associations over time.
Can caregivers or babysitters help build a love of reading?
Absolutely. Sitters and nannies can play a big role in reinforcing reading habits. Whether it’s grabbing a favorite bedtime book, checking out new books together, or sharing some quiet reading time, having another trusted adult engaged in the process can help make reading a predictably awesome part of your child’s day.
What types of books are best for different ages?
For babies and toddlers, opt for board books with vivid images, real photos, and simple text. As kids grow, choose stories that match their interests and reading level. Repetition, rhythm, and interactive elements will help keep younger children interested, while older kids might prefer longer stories or series.
Want more tips? Watch the Bright Horizons webinar Raising a Reader.
