Chances are there will be someone in your life who asks you why you read to your one-year-old. Many people assume that a child as young as one cannot understand what you are reading to him about or what the pictures in the storybook mean. But more and more research has shown that exposing your children to books as early as possible — just like exposing them to all types of words and experiences — will only help them love reading and books as they get older.

One of the best times to read to your child is before naptime or bedtime. Lie down on the bed or hold him on your lap. One or two short books will be enough, and books written and designed for children this age are short, so this only takes about ten minutes and will be a relaxing and enjoyable part of your day and your child's day. Another way to incorporate reading into your one-year-old's life is to bring her to the library. Many bookstores also often have story hours for children.

Reading picture books is important at this age because your child will begin to make connections between what she's looking at and your words — and maybe even the text she sees on the page, although that probably won't happen for a few years.

While you read to your baby, point to the picture, even if it's the only thing on the page. Eventually, she'll mimic this and, over time, make the connection between your words and what she's looking at.

Some picture books designed for babies have a noun and a verb (“Worms wiggle”) or noun and adjective or adverb (“Wiggly worms”) with each picture. You should feel free to act out the action and respond to the text. The more animated you are as you read, the more you will entice and engage your baby.

Bring board books along in the car or diaper bag, but try to find larger size books for reading at home, as the bigger pictures are easier for a one-year-old to see.