Global Babies
by The Global Fund for Children
From Guatemala to Bhutan, vibrant color photographs embrace our global diversity and give glimpses into the daily life, traditions, and clothing of babies from around the world.
Ready, Set, Read!
Let your baby take the lead when you read. Your baby may only sit still for a page or two, turn pages too quickly, or only want to look at one picture and then be done. It is perfectly normal for baby to want to “taste” a book. Follow your baby’s lead to make reading time a positive experience. Make books a part of your daily routine and read before naptime and/or bedtime. Put a book in your diaper bag to read to baby while out and about. This will nurture their love of books and reading from the beginning.
Reading Tips for Curious Crawlers
Your baby loves to hear your voice
Make reading part of your everyday routine
Hold the book so your baby can see the pictures
Talk about and point at the pictures
Count and point to how many people, pets, dots, etc. are on the page
Board books are sturdy and built for babies to handle
Books are a great addition to tummy time
Give baby a clear view of your face and read your own book aloud
Pre-Reading Building Block
Before reading, introduce the idea that babies all over the world say hello. Wave and say, "Hello!" Repeat with a few simple greetings, one at a time: "Hola!" "Bonjour!" "Hello!" Wave each time and encourage babies to watch or wave back. Hold up the book and say: "Let’s see babies around the world!"
Let's Play
After reading, reinforce the idea that babies around the world do similar things. Name familiar baby actions and model them gently: "Babies smile!" (smile), "Babies clap!" (clap softly), "Babies yawn!" (big yawn). After each action say: "Babies everywhere!"
