Preemies already face an uphill battle developmentally, but early intervention can mean everything to the developing brain. One inexpensive way to encourage development is simply reading to your baby. It may sound kind of strange to read to an infant, but there are may great advantages to doing so:
1. Developmental Advantages: Premature babies many challenges and are at higher risk for developmental delays including speech and language. There are studies proving how beneficial reading to babies in years to follow.
2. Bonding: It can be very difficult to bond in the NICU and that is for both baby and the parents. Many parent cannot touch or hold the child at times and reading is an opportunity to connect. The NICU is very quiet and parents can feel awkward talking to a baby in an isolette, but reading a book is a great reason to talk to baby.
Here are the most read (and abused) books in our house currently:
