Using 'first word' books with your baby

A first word book is usually a board book, which focuses on one illustration and word per page. The idea is that each page is shown to your baby with the word associated with the picture. For example, ‘Apple’, next to a large picture of an apple.   

What is the best way to use first word books? 

It can be tempting to say, ‘What is this? What is that?' As you go from page to page of a first-word book. While this might seem like the most logical way to increase your baby's vocabulary, it is more supportive to make comments about what you can see at this early stage. For example, ‘Wow, look – a duck, a little yellow duck’.

By doing this, you will increase their vocabulary and awareness of what is on the pages. Reading shouldn’t feel like a quiz to your baby and should be fun and engaging! 

Do I need to get some?  

Don’t feel like you need first word books to encourage your baby's initial words. Sharing any book with your child will increase their vocabulary and story books are often far more engaging for both of you.

If you like the idea of a first word book, why not make one that is more meaningful to your baby, with photographs of things they recognise, such as ‘mummy’, ‘daddy’, ‘car’, ‘home’, and so on? It's also useful to focus on things your baby is interested in. So, if they’re beginning to take a keen interest in farm animals, for example, share books where you look at them together. Anything that they’re interested in will be far more engaging.