During those first few days and weeks of life, your newborn may not seem to be doing much on the outside – but on the inside, rapid brain development is underway. Help your boost newborn’s brain development by reading aloud daily.
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Eat, sleep, repeat. Although the typical routine for most newborns is fairly simple, did you know that during the first 100 days of life your baby’s brain develops the fastest?
Reading is a powerful way to help boost this brain development! As your newborn hears your words, brain-cell connections – called neural synapses – continue to form.
While you are feeding your baby, read a book aloud, tell a story, or sing a song.
Make reading a daily routine before naps and bedtime to help connect with and calm your baby.
While your newborn is in the crib, rocker, or swing, take a seat next to your baby and read a book (any book!) out loud.
Have fun while reading. Point out pictures, ask questions, make silly faces and funny voices. Your newborn will notice your expressions and gestures – and may even react, too!
Don’t have a book to read? No problem. Making up and sharing stories is as beneficial as reading, and your newborn will love it just the same.
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