Reading to their babies is one of the most powerful ways new dads can help shape their child’s life. Reading time deepens the daddy-baby bond, gives dads a chance to appreciate their baby’s latest milestones, improves their baby’s vocabulary and language development, and nurtures their imagination.

Fun reading tips for dads

Follow these tips to get the most out of reading time with your baby:

• Play with voice. Animate characters’ conversations by reading in exaggerated, funny voices and adding silly sounds (whoosh, zing, krrrplop) to make stories more exciting for your baby or toddler.
• Bond beyond the book. Act out comic scenes from books and repeat funny phrases (e.g., “But not the hippo!”) during other times of the day to create inside jokes and revel in shared experiences.
  
  
• Personalize the plot. Bring your child into the story by pausing to ask his opinion (e.g., “What do you think is going to happen to that basket of eggs?”). It shows you’re interested in your child’s thoughts and feelings and encourages him to pay close attention when you read.
   
• Choose baby books you like. Not all dads are jazzed about Goodnight Moon or The Very Hungry Caterpillar. And that can be an advantage. While you might not have chosen Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovels or Officer Buckle and Gloria for your son, for example, it could turn out to be a favorite. Getting Dad’s unique perspective on reading material can open up new worlds to your child.
  
  
• Plan trips to the library or bookstore. Toddlers will look forward to these outings because they offer quality time with Dad. Letting your child choose from among three to four titles you’ve pre-selected will help him feel more invested and eager to explore the story.
  
  
• Find a special reading spot. A comfy armchair, for example, can be a go-to spot for reading with your baby or toddler. Keep a stack of baby books -- including some picture books -- nearby to encourage spontaneous reading as well.
  
  
• Use a sticker chart. Charts that track your child’s progress with stickers help build excitement about the number of books you’ve read or the minutes you’ve spent reading together. (Let your toddler pick out the stickers -- princesses, pandas, or maybe gold stars.) When you reach a certain number, celebrate your progress! It could be a tea party, a trip to the playground, or an hour of uninterrupted playtime. Soon enough, the chart won’t be necessary because everyone will love reading for its own pleasures.  

If your 18- to 21-month-old has taken on a whole new personality, fear not -- that’s actually very normal. Your baby’s newfound sense of independence during her second year of life is natural. Look out for these baby milestones during this stage of development.

Walking and running

Most babies learn to walk without help between 9 and 17 months, so by 18 months your baby will probably be cruising. This means it’s extra important to make sure your home is baby-proofed for your newly mobile child. And beware: About six months after your baby learns to walk, she’ll most likely be able to run. Get your sneakers ready!

Climbing
Soon after the running starts, your baby will discover a whole new activity: climbing. “Up” may become her new favorite word, and suddenly everything in your house will be fair game for climbing, from the furniture and stairs to the dog and your leg. Now would be a good time to invest in some baby activities that involve climbing.

Socializing
Even if you’ve had playdates before, it’s unlikely that your baby actually knew what to do with the new friend by her side. All that will change during these months. Look for your child to start paying attention to, and even associating with, the children she comes in contact with now. She may not be ready to take turns or share just yet, but she’s on her way to getting there.

Pretend play

Pretend play is important for your baby’s development and imagination, and between 18 and 24 months, this type of play will really kick in. Around this time, you may find your toddler babbling away to her stuffed animals or feeding her dolls. Encourage your child to use her imagination by choosing toys like costumes, dollhouses, and pretend food

Talking
Baby speech development is abundant between 18 and 21 months. Whereas before, your baby may only have been able to murmur or mimic you, at this age, you can expect simple phrases like “I’m done” and other short sentences. Engage in baby play and activities that help develop your baby’s newfound sense of language, like playing telephone or taking turns “reading” a book.

Keep in mind, a lot is happening with your baby between months 18 and 21. While you may be surprised at her newfound sense of independence and how fast she’s growing, just remember that all these milestones mean your baby is developing beautifully, and that she’s right on track.