The Powerful Benefits of Dads Reading to Their New Baby

As a new parent, one of the most delightful and meaningful activities you can do with your newborn is read aloud to them. While it’s often emphasized that moms have a special bond with their babies through activities like breastfeeding, the role of dads in early child development is equally critical — and reading to your baby is a fantastic way for fathers to strengthen their connection and foster development. Research shows that dads reading to their babies offers numerous benefits for both baby and dad. Let's explore the scientific reasons why dads should read to their newborns and how this practice can positively impact the family dynamic.

1. Enhances Language Development

From before your baby is born, they are absorbing sounds, including the rhythm and tone of voices. Research highlights the significance of early language exposure. A study published in Pediatrics (2012) revealed that babies exposed to more speech from their parents — including dads — were found to have larger vocabularies by the age of two. Reading aloud helps babies begin to recognize words, sounds, and syllables, laying the foundation for language development.

Dads’ voices are unique and offer a variety of sounds that complement the mother’s, enriching the baby’s auditory experience. According to a study published in Developmental Science (2013), infants are more likely to remember and recognize the voices they hear frequently in the womb, and this continues into the first months of life. Thus, when dads read to their babies, they’re reinforcing their presence and the rhythm of language, which aids in early language acquisition.

2. Strengthens Emotional Bonds

Reading isn’t just about language; it’s about connection. A father’s voice can be especially soothing and comforting to a baby. Research in Infant Behavior and Development (2014) found that when fathers engage in emotionally positive activities like reading, their babies display more positive emotional responses. Reading together creates moments of calm and closeness, allowing the baby to feel secure and cared for.

For fathers, this ritual also strengthens their emotional bond with the baby. The act of reading provides an opportunity for fathers to spend quality, one-on-one time with their newborns, contributing to the formation of a strong emotional attachment.

3. Promotes Cognitive Development

The benefits of reading to babies extend beyond just language acquisition; it can also positively impact cognitive development. A study in Cerebral Cortex (2012) found that early language exposure, including hearing stories read aloud, can enhance a baby’s brain activity, particularly in areas related to memory and cognitive processing.

When dads read to their babies, they are helping to activate important neural pathways in the brain that are essential for later learning and memory formation. This early cognitive stimulation can lay the groundwork for problem-solving and critical thinking skills as the child grows.

4. Boosts Social and Emotional Development

As babies grow, they start learning about emotions, facial expressions, and social cues. Dads can introduce these concepts during reading by using varied voices and facial expressions while reading. This type of interactive reading encourages babies to observe and understand emotional tones, a skill that will help them develop social intelligence as they grow.

Research published in Early Childhood Research Quarterly (2013) emphasizes the importance of fathers in the emotional and social development of their children. The study found that dads who actively engage in reading with their babies are not only enhancing their children’s emotional regulation skills but also fostering better social interactions later in life.

5. Fosters a Love of Learning

The experience of reading together can help a child develop a lifelong love of books and learning. A study from The Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology (2015) found that children who were read to regularly in the first few years of life showed greater academic success later on, particularly in areas such as reading and mathematics.

When dads read to their babies, they’re setting the stage for a positive relationship with learning. Babies are naturally curious, and the time spent reading to them fosters a sense of wonder and exploration that will benefit them as they grow older and begin to develop their own interests in reading and education.

Fathers who read to their children early on set a precedent for continued educational engagement as their child grows. Research consistently shows that children who are read to regularly at a young age are more likely to perform well academically throughout their schooling. According to a report by the National Early Literacy Panel (2008), early reading is associated with improved literacy and cognitive outcomes in school-age children. When dads contribute to this process, they’re helping to set the foundation for their child’s academic success.

6. Improves Father-Child Interaction and Confidence

For many new fathers, especially those who may feel unsure about their role early on, reading provides an easy and low-pressure way to bond with their baby. Dads can use reading as a way to practice interacting with their newborn, becoming more attuned to their baby's cues and responses.

A study in Fathering: A Journal of Theory, Research, and Practice (2012) suggested that fathers who engage in activities like reading to their babies experience a greater sense of involvement and confidence in their parenting role. Over time, this leads to a more active and engaged father who plays a crucial role in the child’s emotional and developmental growth.

7. Encourages Positive Parenting Practices

When dads participate in early parenting activities, such as reading, they set the tone for positive and engaged parenting throughout the child’s life. A study published in The Journal of Marriage and Family (2014) found that fathers who actively engage in early developmental activities with their children are more likely to continue to be involved in their child’s life as they grow. Reading provides a simple and meaningful way for fathers to start building an involved and positive parenting relationship early on.

A study in The Journal of Family Psychology (2012) found that when fathers engage in positive activities with their children, it leads to better relationships not only with the children but also between the parents.

Reading to your newborn is one of the most simple yet powerful ways dads can support their child’s early development. From language skills to emotional bonding and cognitive growth, the act of reading fosters a lifelong relationship with learning and provides lasting benefits for the baby. It also gives fathers the opportunity to build a strong, active role in their child's life from day one, enriching the family dynamic and creating a sense of connection that will last through the years.

So, dads, start reading — not just for your child’s development, but for your own relationship with your baby. It’s a small act that will make a big difference.

Now to choose a book...

For You Dad to Read to Your Baby (and Yourself) Each Day is a rhyme written especially for new dads to read to their babies, either still in the womb or newborns in dad's arms. The rhythm of the rhyme read by dad will lull baby and provide a calming atmosphere. The words have meaning and are a mix of heartfelt sentiment and humor. The real-talk rhyme not only reads like dad is having a conversation to their baby, but at times intertwines a pep talk for themselves too, with tips to help their whole family thrive.

For You Dad to Read to Your Baby (and Yourself) Each Day also includes high contrast black and white pictures to help baby develop their focus and attention, as everything is a blur of black, white and gray for the first 3 months. And since the world of a new dad can be a bit of a blur too there's also a 30 day self-care journaling boost included in the back of the book.