The benefits of reading to toddlers (over 12 months of age) is well known, but the benefits of
reading to infants (birth to 12 months old) is less established. A recent research study
conducted at Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine showed that infants in
families that reported always reading at least seven books per week scored higher on language
testing at 9 months of age than infants in families that reported reading less than seven books
weekly.
The researchers suggest that committing to reading one book each day is an achievable goal
for new families to try. They stress the importance of finding ways to educate parents on the
impact regular reading can have on their infant’s language development. This could include
medical providers instructing parents on the benefits of daily reading, providing options for
reading materials, and checking in on reading goals at routine preventative visits.
Source:
https://www.jabfm.org/content/35/6/1156
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