There are many benefits associated with reading to babies, toddlers, and children.

The NICU is the perfect place to start reading to your baby. Here are some reasons:

• Reading together helps parents and infants bond
• Babies are soothed by the sound of their parents’ voices
• Reading is a good way to pass time at the bedside and can be done even if your baby is in an isolette or is too medically fragile to be held.
• Reading to your child from infancy helps develop positive feelings about reading.
• The same benefits apply whether you are reading a picture book or chapter book, so pick a great book and start reading.

About Team NICU 101

CHKD is home to the region’s largest and most sophisticated neonatal intensive care unit, certified by the state as a subspecialty nursery. We provide intensive care for high-risk, critically-ill neonates and care for approximately 500 babies a year.