Three to Four Months

Let the games begin. Your baby will begin to babble and imitate sounds, as well as smile at the sound of your voice. With his/her head held higher than in months past, he/she should now be developing a better grasp not only of what you’re reading to him/her (or at least the expressions on your face), but also at the books themselves as he/she learns to swipe at objects and attempt to bring them to his mouth.

Six to 12 Months

Taking an active interest. Between six and 12 months, your baby will develop many new skills, including the ability to sit up tall with his head steady and grab at pages. Don’t be surprised if books all end up in your baby’s mouth, as this is not only to be expected, but a good sign that he is interested in books and wants to explore them further. This is the time to invest in some board and bath books, if you haven’t already, as they stand up the best to new teeth and baby drool, and also contain plenty of color, simple objects, and the photographs of faces that babies prefer.

12 to 18 Months

A hands-on experience. Not only will your baby be able to sit without support, allowing him both hands free for holding books and turning board pages (albeit several at a time), but he’s likely to demonstrate his already well-developed love of reading by carrying his books around, eagerly handing them to you to read, and answering your questions of “where is the?” by pointing to pictures with one finger.