Even the youngest babies can enjoy books: they’re listening to the reader’s voice and find cuddling up with adults very calming.

• • Babies’ eyes are still developing, so brightly coloured and high contrast books are great, as are board books because they can be chewed!
  • Local libraries have free rhyme time sessions
  • Little and often is the key: introduce a daily routine to share a book. Many choose before bedtime, but it doesn’t have to be

The National Literacy Trust’s Words for Life website gives lot of activity ideas for this age group