Before babies can string a sentence together, they somehow know how to tell a story.
Just ask 14-month-old Eliana, who recently stole hearts online with her adorable “reading” session — flipping through a book and babbling with such dramatic flair that even a seasoned librarian would be impressed. This sweet moment, captured by Carrie Rad (@carrierad), has already garnered over 7.3 million views and counting.
Carrie writes on the video that they have been reading to Eliana since the day she was born, and now, she’s paying it forward — one joyful, made-up word at a time. It’s proof that before babies understand what a story means, they understand how it feels.
But there’s more to it: reading to babies isn’t just a bonding ritual—it’s a brain-building one. Early exposure to language helps babies develop critical skills like speech, listening, and memory. The rhythmic patterns of language, the emotional tone in a caregiver’s voice, and the physical act of turning pages all contribute to a baby’s cognitive and language growth, laying the groundwork for lifelong learning.
But there’s more to it: reading to babies isn’t just a bonding ritual—it’s a brain-building one. Early exposure to language helps babies develop critical skills like speech, listening, and memory. The rhythmic patterns of language, the emotional tone in a caregiver’s voice, and the physical act of turning pages all contribute to a baby’s cognitive and language growth, laying the groundwork for lifelong learning.
Why babies are wired for the voices of their caregivers
Babies are born with a remarkable ability to recognize and respond to the voices of their caregivers. Research shows that newborns can distinguish their mother’s voice from others within hours of birth, likely due to exposure to it in the womb. This early recognition helps infants form crucial emotional bonds and ensures they are attuned to their caregivers’ needs.
A study by The University of Texas at Dallas also revealed that babies’ brains are particularly tuned to the frequencies of human speech, especially that of their caregivers. This sensitivity is essential for social development and communication. The emotional tone of a caregiver’s voice also influences infants’ emotional responses, supporting early learning and emotional regulation.
Babies are biologically wired to tune in to your voice — and it’s through that voice they begin to feel safe, seen, and connected.
Related: When to start reading to baby: What the data say
How reading builds more than words
Reading to babies is about more than helping them understand stories — it’s about exposing them to the sounds, rhythms, and emotions of language. This early exposure helps lay the foundation for speaking, reading, and relating to the world.
Research shows that the rhythms and tones in speech during reading are crucial for brain development. Babies exposed to language in their early years show improved language skills, as noted in a study by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. Even before they grasp the words, babies are soaking in the rhythm, tone, and emotion—laying the building blocks for language and empathy.
The emotional resonance in a caregiver’s voice fosters early understanding of feelings and empathy, important for emotional regulation later on. The closeness and connection during reading also strengthen the parent-child bond, supporting both cognitive and emotional development.
Related: Reading for pleasure has major benefits for kids, according to new research
What people are saying
Turns out, reading to babies is not only adorable — it’s making quite the impression! Here’s what some parents, educators, and fans had to say about how early reading is shaping those tiny bookworms:
- Maggie🍉: “Can she read to us every night?”
- Rachel Sollinger: “As a reading instructor, you have no idea how far along she already is. Using inflection, book held correctly.”
- Kimberly Bartlett Re: “This is such an important step in her reading development. Knowing that spoken words are on pages. Being able to turn the pages correctly.”
- CuddleFlops: “I love how she reads and “turns the pages!” Adorable!!”
- Karen Martin-Ringel: “As a kindergarten teacher I can’t stress enough how important this is for her reading development. Good job, parents!!”
And of course, some of the comments are a little less serious, but still pretty hilarious:
- rory ⁂ ✩: “she’s great. she was my tutor and professor at university, a very nice and professional person”
- Rick James: “She actually wrote this book, im her editor”
- Ahpetite: “she taught my Latin class in college. adorable lady!”
Related: Montessori at home: 5 reading games to play with your child
The power of rituals: Building a world through words
When caregivers make reading a regular, loving ritual, babies start to associate books with comfort, connection, and fun. It’s more than just reading — it’s a chance to build emotional security and ignite the imagination. Over time, this ritual helps babies understand language, storytelling, and communication, setting the stage for future learning.
In Eliana’s example, her joyful “reading” shows just how deeply she’s internalized not only the activity but the warm, comforting feeling of being read to. Reading together isn’t just a task—it’s a ritual of love, connection, and learning.
How to start the reading routine
Starting a reading routine with your baby doesn’t need to be complicated — it’s about creating moments of connection, fun, and learning. Here are some simple tips to help you make reading a meaningful part of daily life:
1. Make reading a consistent ritual
Choose a regular time each day to read together. Whether it’s first thing in the morning, after a nap, or right before bed, a consistent reading time helps establish a comforting routine. Babies thrive on repetition, so the more often you read, the more they’ll look forward to it.
2. Pick books that spark interest
When you’re choosing books, pick ones with bright pictures, rhythmic text, and simple, familiar words. At first, babies will be drawn to the colors and shapes in the pictures, so pick books that captivate them visually. As they grow, you can gradually introduce books with more complex stories or interactive elements like textures or flaps.
3. Engage with the story
Even if your baby can’t read yet, you can still make the experience interactive. Point at pictures and describe what you see. Ask questions, even if your little one can’t answer yet — “What’s that animal?” or “What color is that?” Mimic sounds like animal noises or car honks to keep them engaged and entertained. Babies are learning to recognize words and sounds, so the more you engage with the story, the more they’ll absorb.
4. Create a cozy, inviting reading space
Set up a cozy reading corner with soft pillows, blankets, or even a special chair where you and your baby can snuggle up. The environment should feel calm and inviting, making it a special space just for reading. Good lighting is key too — soft, warm lighting helps set a relaxing tone for your reading ritual.
5. Be consistent, but keep it fun
There’s no “right” way to read. Make up voices, skip pages, or invent your own endings—what matters most is connection. The goal is to make reading feel fun and enjoyable. If you notice your baby’s attention drifting, it’s okay to stop and come back to it later — the important part is that you’re sharing the experience.
By making reading a consistent, engaging, and cozy ritual, you’re laying the foundation for a lifelong love of books — and building those important language skills that will serve your child for years to come.
Related: 25 books your kids will want to read over and over (and over)
The bottom line
You don’t need to be a perfect storyteller or pick the perfect book. What truly matters is that your child hears your voice, feels your love, and enjoys your presence. Every silly sound, every giggle, and every cozy reading session is helping to lay a foundation that will last a lifetime.