Launched at Wainuomata Library in June 2006 Books for Babies is a gift pack from Hutt City Libraries given to all newborn babies in Lower Hutt.
This pack is delivered by nurses from Plunket when visiting all six weeks old babies in their home.
This special gift pack contains:
- a coloured Buzzy Bee board book for your baby.
- a library registration form.
- information about Hutt City Libraries' collections and services.
- booklists about parenting and appropriate books to read with your new baby and tips on how to read with your baby and the value of reading to your baby.
Tips for reading to your child
The value of reading to your child
Research behind Books for Babies
Recommended books at your library
Suggested reading for parents
Activities for preschoolers at Hutt City Libraries
Tips for reading to your child
Read to your child every day.
Cuddle up on the couch, in the park, on the bus or anywhere.
Keep your voice lively. Use lots of expression.
Bring your child to the library and get them involved with choosing their books. Let them touch and hold the book if they want to. If you are worried about damaging library books choose sturdy board books with wipeable pages. Look out for our baby beginner books in the picture book section with blue spine labels.
Children love books with rhyme, rhythm and repetition. It also helps them to learn.
If your child is tired, unhappy, or just “not in the mood” for reading don’t force it. Try again another time when they are more receptive.
It’s quite common for a child to want to you to re-read a particular book – over and over and over! This is good as repetition can help them learn.
Children soon develop their own tastes – and the more they have to choose from the better!
The value of reading to your child
One of the best things you can do for child is read to them – it is never too soon to begin reading to your child!
Baby Annabelle (left) certainly thinks so! It’s a great opportunity to cuddle up and share.
Babies may not understand the words or the pictures but they will love to hear the sound of your voice.
The first five years of your child’s life are when the when the brain develops fastest. Increased brain function can come from interaction early on by reading, talking and learning with your child. The sooner you read to your child, the sooner they will want to read too.
When you read to your child they learn:
- concepts like colours and shapes, animals, numbers and letters.
- language and communication skills – babies learn to speak by imitating sounds.
- how to hold books, how to turn pages and how to care for them.
Remember as a parent/carer you play an extremely valuable role in encouraging your children to feel confident with books and helping them to develop a life-long love of reading.
Research behind Books for Babies
Research, including several UK based studies, has shown that an early introduction to books, language and stories is not only a warm and enjoyable experience for both child and parent but also gives children a headstart at school.
According to New Zealand’s Brainwave Trust , one of the best things you can do for your child is to read to them – no matter how young they are. In fact, in the first five years of life children absorb more information that at any other time. Increased brain function can come from interaction through reading, talking and learning together with your child. It’s never too early to begin and a great opportunity to cuddle up and share.
Other Books for Babies projects in New Zealand:
Overseas:
- The Bookstart project in the UK aims to ensure every new born baby in the UK receives a free book. THis programme is upported by thte UK educational charirty Booktrust.
Books for babies at your Library
0-1 year: Strong, sturdy board books.
Recommended authors:
- Ian Beck
- Tana Hoban
- John Prater
- Vicki Marsdon
Recommended books:
- Where’s Spot? and other titles by Eric Hill
- Rosie’s Walk by Pat Hutchins
1-2 years: Big and bright picture books
Recommended authors:
- Lucy Cousins
- Mem Fox
- Gwenda Turner
- Martin Waddell
Recommended books:
- Wild Animal Baby
- Peepo and Each Peach, Pear, Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
- We’re going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen
- I Spy series by Jean Marzollo
- Hairy Maclary series by Lynley Dodd
We also have lift-the-flap and touch and feel books as well as many more lullaby, nursery rhyme, counting and alphabet books. Don't forget our selection of DVDs and CDs suitable for babies.
Suggested reading for parents
This is a list of parenting books and magazines you might like to read.
Ask for them at your local Hutt City Library.
- The Secret of Happy Children by Steve Biddulph,1998
- The User’s Guide to the New Zealand Baby by Nicola Miller-Clendon, 2001.
- Games to Play with Babies by Jackie Silberg, 2001
- The New Zealand 3am Handbook: the Most Commonly Asked Questions About Your Child’s Health by Starship Hospital, 2005
- The New Parent by Miriam Stoppard, 1998
- New Zealand Baby & Toddler by Helen Tomson, 2000
- Brain Games for Babies, Toddlers and Twos by Jackie Silberg, 2002
- Kiwi Parent and Little Treasures are great magazines available at your Library.
We also have books on baby massage, childhood education, child medical and health issues.
Activities for Babies at your Library
Baby Bounce & Rhyme Time
Come along to your local library and meet other parents, share books, toys and rhymes with your child. For babies aged 0 - 2 years. Check your local library's session times.
Storytimes
Stimulate your child with stories and rhymes with library staff. Mix with other young children and make new friends. Suited to children aged 2 - 4 years. Check your local library's session times.