Month 4 onwards: An infant listens and observes - which makes it a good time to start reading.

What type of books can you buy?

• Brightly coloured books with simple images and little text.
• Books with flowing text because babies feel comforted when they hear their parents' voice flowing rhythmically.

Month 6 onwards: Your infant might start grabbing the book, or if she' is teething, chewing on it. Distract her by giving her a teething ring and continue reading. If she's grabbing it out of genuine interest, allow her to do so - she'll get a feel for books.

What type of books can you buy?

• "Touchy feely" books that have different textures to stimulate your child's senses.
• Board books of washable vinyl (expect your baby to chew or spit up on the book)

Month 8 onwards: Your infant may start turning the pages of the book herself. No more passive listening - it's time for first hand exploration! Month 10 onwards is a good time to start associating words with pictures.

What type of books can you buy?

• Lift-flap books (they help developer greater dexterity)
• Picture books (animals, flowers, vegetables, fruits, colours, shapes etc.)

The Toddler Years (12 to 24 months): In addition to turning pages, your toddler may start pointing to pictures on the page, or even making noises or saying words for some pictures. 15 months onwards is a tough phase where your toddler may be more interested in walking and exploring new places. During this phase it may become difficult to pin her down to focussed reading. Make sure you get your toddler's attention when she is ready and not impose it on her. Choose a time when she's wound down and more inclined to listen, for example, bedtime.

What type of books can you buy?

• Books with bold colours and bright images
• Rhyming words
• Popup books
• Interactive books

Books featuring your toddler's favourite cartoon characters.