Early reading sounds wonderful to many parents, but some rightfully ask: Why does a baby need to read? What is good about that that? Just let them play, they will learn someday.

Well, there are several reasons why why it's GREAT to teach early reading to babies and toddlers!

1. It makes learning to read easier. Many kids, when they wait to learn reading until age 5 or 6 will struggle. It is far easier to learn reading when you start early.

2. Reading sets them up with a large vocabulary before they're even at school! And they can pick up new words by working them out by themselves.

3. Reading builds confidence and social skills. Early reading, and the larger vocabulary that came with it, creates many opportunities for children to converse and connect with others and be social! Adults love the interaction too.

4. It helps children understand the world around them easier. Early reading allows kids to learn more about their world sooner, and participate in activities they otherwise might not have understood as well.

5. It sets children up for greater success when they start school. If they're already reading at a 3rd grade level when they enter kindergarten, they can read so many more things, have boosted confidence, and an easier time understanding things in the classroom environment. They can read door signs, read labels on food items, color names of crayons and markers, calendars, task lists, and so much more.

6. Better safety. A toddler who can read and understand, "Danger!" "Don't touch!" "Hot!" and read street names, food ingredients and use a phone makes for more relaxed parenting.

Now, just do it, start teaching your baby to read! It's fun for you and for them.