BOOST YOUR BABY'S BRAIN POWER
Research shows that reading aloud with children is the single most important thing you can do to prepare a child for reading and learning.
The Books for Babies program ensures that every baby born in the Cedar Valley receives a free book at the hospital. Research shows that setting children up with the tools for success from birth correlates to reading by the 3rd grade. Thank you to our local hospitals, MercyOne and UnityPoint Health - Allen for distributing books to families.
READ TOGETHER
It’s never too early to start reading to your baby. Even newborns love to hear the rhythm and inflection of your voice. Hold your baby warm and snug in your lap while the two of you share a book. The more you read to your baby, the more his or her brain will grow.
Include short story times throughout your day. Read first thing in the morning, before nap, or include a story in your baby’s bedtime ritual. Read while you feed your baby. Take a book with you and read while waiting at the doctor's office or a restaurant.
Wondering what your baby should be doing at this age? Check out this great list of reading milestones for babies.
READ ALOUD TIPS
Older babies like to look for familiar objects and participate by touching, pointing, peeking and moving.
- Ask, “Where is the dog?” “Can you find the kitty?”
- Exclaim, “There is the blue car!” when your child points to the picture.
Have fun! Enthusiasm is infectious, make sure your child catches it! Use voices. Do sound effects. Make a fool of yourself. Your baby will love it!
Even a squirmy worm may be listening. Babies are grabby. Give them their own book to hold or something to gnaw on while you read.
BOOKS FOR BABIES FUNDERS
Books for Babies is made possible through generous gifts from:
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In Memory of Luke Aronson
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In Memory of Hudson Howard
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Larry Howard
- Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo, Jill Mejia
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Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo, Meagan Miller
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SCHEELS
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Erick Mally
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Angie Tessau
If you are interested in helping the Books for Babies program grow, please contact Samantha Gutknecht at 319.235.6211 ext. 20.
TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO THE BOOKS FOR BABIES PROGRAM, CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW:
The Cedar Valley has many great libraries with books for even the youngest readers. Stop in at story-time or spend a morning exploring the library with your child.
- Allison Public Library
- Aplington Public Library
- Beaman Community Memorial Library
- Benny Gambaiani Public Library (Shell Rock)
- Cedar Falls Public Library
- Chelsea Public Library
- Clarksville Public Library
- Clutier Public Library
- Conrad Public Library
- Denver Public Library
- Dike Public Library
- Dumont Community Library
- Dunkerton Public Library
- Elberon Public Library
- Elizabeth Rasmussen Martin Memorial Library (New Hartford)
- Evansdale Public Library
- Fairbank Public Library
- Garwin Public Library
- Gladbrook Public Library
- Greene Public Library
- Hawkins Memorial Library (La Porte City)
- Hudson Public Library
- Independence Public Library
- Janesville Public Library
- Jesup Public Library
- Kling Memorial Library (Grundy Center)
- Kothe Memorial Library (Parkersburg)
- Norma Anders Public Library (Dysart)
- Plainfield Public Library
- Readlyn Public Library
- Reinbeck Public Library
- Sumner Public Library
- Toledo Public Library
- Traer Public Library
- Tripoli Public Library
- Waterloo Public Library
- Waverly Public Library
- Wellsburg Public Library
- Winthrop Public Library
Nurture a reader. Make books an accessible part of your child's environment. Find a comfy spot where you won't be overly distracted. Create a home that encourages children to become lifelong readers.
You can find great books at local bookstores, thrift stores, garage sales and from friends and family who are ready to pass on books for young readers after their own children have grown.