There are parents who prefer to postpone reading until they are 2 years old, so that they understand well what is being read to them. However, you can start reading to your child even before birth.
It is clear that from your womb he will not understand what you say. But it is an exercise that will help them to recognize your voice once it is born.
When is the best time to start reading to him?
Anytime is a good time to start reading, though It is especially recommended from 6 to 12 months. At that age it benefits them to improve their memory and vocabulary, stimulating them to start speaking. It is important that you speak to them so that they begin to recognize the language as soon as possible. So reading to them is a good way to do it. The better use of language you have when you speak to them, the easier it will be for them to recognize words and begin to speak..
At first they will not understand what you are telling them, so it does not matter if you read the morning newspaper or a beautiful story from your childhood. The really important thing is going to be that routine of reading to him a little every day. Share quality time with your child and love the wonderful world of books. It is a good option to read that book that you are always putting off and you don't end up finishing it. The more they see you read, the more they want to follow your example.
His first experiences with reading should be pleasant, do not worry so much about the pedagogical level of the text. It is more important that it is fun to hear yourself, you can read singing, or imitating voices, to liven up the story. It's nice that your child can visualize these stories as if they were a theater.
In the world of books, creativity is in power, use it. Dress up, put on a fun hat that is related to the story. Or better yet, relate the story to the objects in the room. Actually the fundamental thing is that you both have a good time and that reading does not become a heavy activity for your child.
What type of book is best for my baby?
At first your baby will use the book as a toy, he will look at it, throw it, and put it in his mouth. Therefore, the most suitable may be pasta books and rigid cardboard pages. Cloth books are also available on the market, with different textures and sounds, which are used for the baby to discover by touch. There are even plastic bath time books.
During this time it is not essential not even that your books have text, since you will not read them. However, he will like colors, shapes and textures. They are the first step so that your pleasant experience becomes a healthy habit, such as reading.
It is important that you let your child play with his books whenever he wants, even if you are not going to read with him. This will make it easier for you to have a pleasant experience with them. When you least realize it, he will tell the stories to you in his own language, or even to your dog.
Once he is a little older, it will be your baby who helps you discover what kind of stories he likes the most. It is from 6 months when they begin to show their tastes. You will see, for example, that some foods he likes more and others less, or he will show a preference for some songs. With his stories he will do the same, by reading the stories, he will let you know with his expressions which are the ones that amuse him the most.
One day he will surprise you humming or singing one of those books that you sang to him with all your enthusiasm. Or he will tell you in his own words that you sit down together to read for a while. He will ask you to teach him the letters to read for himself. And you will know that you are doing well. There are not better stimulus for a child than a book that he can learn and discover from alone or in company.