• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated its policy, urging parents to read aloud to their newborns and young children.
• The policy emphasizes shared reading as a way to nurture relationships, stimulate brain development, and create early attachments.
• Pediatricians are encouraged to promote shared reading from birth through kindergarten, and to model techniques for positive reading experiences.
• The updated policy aligns with historical efforts to promote early literacy and underscores the importance of early literacy experiences in children's overall development.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recently updated its policy statement, urging parents and caregivers to read aloud to their newborns and young children. This recommendation is based on the understanding that shared reading experiences foster loving, nurturing relationships during a critical time of brain development. The policy statement marks the first update in AAP recommendations since 2014, reflecting the growing body of research in this area.

The AAP's updated policy statement underscores the importance of shared reading as a way to strengthen and nurture relationships, stimulate brain circuitry, and create early attachments. The policy statement was published online in the journal Pediatrics and is set to be published in the December 2024 issue of the same journal. The policy was announced during the AAP 2024 National Conference & Exhibition in Orlando, Florida.

The lead author of the policy statements, Perri Klass, MD, FAAP, emphasized the joy and richness of shared reading experiences. She suggested making books a part of the bedtime routine, using them to connect and wind down after a busy day, and generally incorporating them into life with a young child.

The Role of Pediatricians in Promoting Shared Reading

The AAP also recommended that pediatricians should encourage shared reading beginning at birth and continuing at least through kindergarten. This includes, when possible, in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Pediatricians are urged to develop skills to discuss with parents strategies for mutually joyful and developmentally appropriate reading activities. They are also encouraged to model techniques to prompt reciprocal, responsive, positive experiences.

The policy statement and technical reports created by AAP are written by medical experts and reflect the latest evidence in the field. They go through several rounds of peer review before being approved by the AAP Board of Directors and published in Pediatrics. This rigorous process ensures that the recommendations are based on the most current and reliable evidence.

Historical Context and Future Implications

The AAP's updated policy statement aligns with historical efforts to promote early literacy and parent-child bonding. For instance, the Reach Out and Read program, launched in the late 1980s, has long advocated for pediatricians to incorporate books into pediatric care and encourage families to read aloud together. Similarly, the 1997 AAP policy statement on literacy promotion highlighted the role of pediatricians in early detection of reading difficulties.