Reading with Baby

Baby Al reading a book from our local Library.

Reading with your baby may sound silly as they do not understand what you are saying or what a book is but it helps them learn new sounds as well as it being a fun time for you both to bond together. I go every Thursday to my local Cradle Club at the Library where we read a book together, sing songs and get to play with toys and chat to one another about all sorts of things. I recommend finding out if your local Library does a baby and toddler day as it's good for both you and your child to meet people and re-live all those songs your parents use to sing to you.

A key point came up whilst at the club one snowy day and that was how little parents read to their babies. I think the issue is with lack of sleep and being rushed off your feet, so when your child keeps turning the pages before you have finished reading them and slamming the book shut on your fingers you find yourself getting annoyed and give up after all your fingers are now sore. But babies won't really understand why this is not normal when reading a book until they are older. Let them play with the pages, hold, open and close the book. To them it's a new toy for them. The best thing to do is sit down somewhere comfortable, place your little one either on your lap or in between your legs and then open the book infront of them. Read to them and if they want to turn the page or place their hands all over the book making it hard to read, don't scold them! This is a natural reaction for a little baby to a book. When Baby Al turns the page I'll just say "oh clever boy!" or "what's on the next page?" anything positive towards him. Sometimes I don't even read out loud what it says and instead just say what I see like "Cats go meow" if there is a picture of a cat. And if you have a book that is a touch and feel book then say to them how it feels. There is a dog with a long coat, it feels soft. it's all new and fun for your little one and a great way for them to learn new words and meanings.

Here are some great books to read to your baby:

• Baby Touch collection
• Eric Carle books (author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar)
• That's Not My... collection
• Amazing Baby books

Just remember that reading together is a fun time together!

Ideas for Stocking Fillers

Are you stuck for stocking filler ideas for your little ones? Here's a helpful list of ideas for all sorts of ages to enjoy when the find their stocking filled with lots of little gifts.

• Stacking Cups - if your little one doesn't have any yet go get some. Even if they aren't ready to stack them they will fully enjoy the banging sounds against the table and each other. And who knows, maybe your little one will surprise you and show you how smart they really are! You can even get them from supermarkets. Ours were a gift from my parents who saw them in their local Morrisons for a real bargain!
• Books - At a very young age you'll find children will enjoy simply taking in all the pictures and letters on each page and even try opening and closing the book. They are never too young to read to, and I'd suggest any of the That's Not My... range and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. 
• Highchair toys - If your child is old enough to be in a highchair then why not get a highchair toy for them to play with whilst you are busy getting their food prepared. If your child is small then make sure the toy isn't too high up for them to enjoy.
• Rattles & Teethers - If you're little one is still very young for big toys and perhaps cannot sit up on their own then rattles and teething rings may be perfect. They are cheap, come in all sorts of colours, shapes and sizes as well as easy to get from any shop.
• Soft Toys - We all love soft toys, no matter what age we are. They are a comfort to many children and also fun to play games with. You can get soft chime balls or even cuddly toys of your child's favourite Disney character.
• Food Boxes - For as long as I can remember I always got small packs of different treats in my stocking that I would either scoff down or make it last for as long as possible. I remember it use to be Cadbury buttons and the like but now it's After Eights and few times I've had a pack of for Ferrero Rocher. But I'm sure your child is not into those sorts of things yet so maybe some Baby Biscuits, Rusks. If you have a toddler then Organix Christmas food box might be of interest along with all the different Christmas boxes you can get at your supermarket.