Read to Your Baby on “Read to Me Day” (and Everyday), Here’s the Top 5 Benefits of Daily Reading Time

March 19th marks an important annual occasion for families and communities—International Read to Me day. Every year, parents are encouraged to set intentional time aside to read to their children out loud. For older kids, this provides an opportunity for them to confidently ask an adult in their life to read to them, as well as participate in community reading activities such as library read-a-louds or reading to a younger friend at school. 

Previously, organizations have conducted “Every day is International Read to Me” day campaigns to promote the significance of daily reading time—and the Colic Calm family agrees!  

The benefits of daily reading start long before a child enters grade school, in early infancy. According to Reach Out and Read, reading to children during the first three years is critical since 80% of their brain is developed during that time. To help spread awareness on the importance of making reading a habit from birth, we’ve put together a list of the top five benefits of reading to your baby. 

1. Language Benefits 


Reading is considered a language-rich interaction, which will help your baby enhance their vocabulary, learn sounds of their spoken language, and connect words with meanings. 

2. Social Health 


From a social perspective, reading to your child teaches them important aspects of communication and social relationships. These benefits deepen if your stories involve more complex aspects such as dialogue or character relationships. 

3. Mental Health 


Reading to your child can even boost their overall mental health. Research shows that children engaged in literacy activities have higher levels of mental wellbeing.  

4. Academic Growth 


Your child will also experience other academic benefits like improving memory skills, critical thinking skills, and being introduced to a wide range of new concepts (colors, numbers, shapes, animals, etc.). 

5. Bonding Time 


Reading with your baby, especially when combined with cuddling, supports a strong parent-child bond. The physical touch, soothing sound of a loved one, and uninterrupted quality time helps your little one feel safe and loved while they learn. 

If you’re concerned about squeezing reading time into your packed schedule, don’t feel overwhelmed. Experts suggest your child will benefit by being read to just 5-10 minutes each day.  

A few of Colic Calm’s picks for infant reads are: Where’s Spot?, Pout Pout Fish, First 100 Words, Mommy is a Soft Warm Kiss, Welcome to the World, and Brown Bear Brown Bear, What Do You See? 

Put down your phone and pick up a book, so your child can start reaping these enriching benefits!