One of the joys of grandparenting is hauling out the favorite stories and classic childrens' books that you used to enjoy reading to your own children. It’s not too early to start reading to your grandbaby now. Even if they don’t understand all the words, the sound of your voice and the colorful pages will enhance infant brain development and give your grandchild a jump-start on learning to read.
Choose sturdy books that can stand up to typical baby activities like bending, throwing and chewing.
Pick books with pictures, especially pictures with large, clear drawings or simple photos of faces and objects they may recognize.
Look for simple themes. Books that use few words and lots of rhymes make the best baby books.
Take your time and don’t feel you have to read every word. Comment on what you see, asking, “Uh, oh! Where did the ball go?”
Read often. Reading children's bedtime stories may seem the natural time, but read any time for a few minutes, as often as you can. Choose times when the baby is content, perhaps after a meal. Stop as soon as he seems bored or unhappy.
Read in your native language. If you struggle with reading English, go ahead and read in your native language. Child development research says that family members should speak whatever language they speak the best when talking and reading to small children. Your child needs to hear language spoken well. A very young child who hears two languages spoken from birth can learn them both.