This means that parents that are aware that their babies can learn to read may have begun to introduce language and reading to them at around 3 months of age.  Oftentimes, babies that have been introduced to written language during their first year of life are reading and speaking their first words sometime around their first birthdays.  This may lead other parents who were in the dark about this amazing ability that babies possess, to question themselves and wonder if it is too late to teach their 2 or 3 year old how to read.

Let me assure you, it is not too late.  Babies are born with this incredible ability to learn language easily and quickly during the first 5 years of life.  The early years are critical to introducing language.  This language can be spoken, written or sign language.  Studies have proven that babies that are not stimulated with spoken language during these first years of life will suffer with disabilities in this area that they may never overcome.

Learning to read as a baby is a game.  Learning to read at 5 or 6 years old is work.  Recent research shows that babies can learn to read when they are taught informally.  This means that babies learn to read differently than 5 or 6 year olds.  In just a few minutes a day, in a fun and relaxing manner, parents can give their babies a strong start in literacy.  Babies that play with written language regularly in the form of flash cards, books, computer programs and dvds will almost certainly be reading well before they enter school.  In the US, where 4 out of 10 eight years olds cannot read, teaching babies to read seems like a priority for parents. 

The most opportune time to teach children to speak and read is during the first 5 years of life.  It is during these years that they can learn language most easily.  Parents of children that are 2 or 3 years old should not consider that child over the hill, but get started immediately.  There are many great products available to help parents get started.  A quick search on Google will bring up products such as MonkiSee, Little Reader and Your Baby Can Read.  All of these products are designed to be used in short increments, thereby making learning to read an enjoyable experience.

While starting early may give some children an extra head start, there are many parents of 2, 3 and 4 year olds that have experienced wonderful results.  Why not start teaching your baby to read today?  You will be glad you did.