Newborns like familiar voices, bright colors, friendly faces, and to imitate and explore the
world around them.
What to do with your newborn:
Sing to your baby and recite nursery rhymes.
Read to your baby using sturdy board books.
Point to and name objects in books.
Reread your baby's favorite books, again and again.
Choose books that have different textures to touch and feel.
Listen to your baby "talk" then smile and babble back.
Play games with your baby, such as "Peek-a-boo" and "Pat-a-cake."
Young Toddlers (One to Two Years):
Young toddlers are beginning to walk and are very active. They like energetic songs and
rhymes,being around other toddlers, and making lots of "music."
What to do with your young toddler:
Sing songs together and do the hand motions.
Let your child "help" turn the pages of sturdy board books.
While reading, ask your child to tell you about the pictures.
Let your child sometimes choose books to read.
Read together often.
Match books to activities (read Baby Dance by Ann Taylor and dance around or Max's Bath by Rosemary Wells and splash in the tub).
* Compiled from Toddle on Over: Developing Infant & Toddler Literature Programs by Robin Works Davis and the Mid-Hudson Library System
