When should I start reading to my baby?

My in-laws are on at me about reading to my son. This started when he was 2 weeks old. He is now 6 1/2 weeks and I'm still getting asked this question at least once a week. What is a good time to start reading? I am singing, talking, playing, etc.

It is great that your son's grandparents encourage reading. Everything we know supports the idea that early introduction of reading makes a big difference to children. However, it sounds as if their eagerness has put too much stress on you and is developmentally misguided. Tell them that you are getting him to read through all your singing, talking and taking him with you on your daily tasks. These are the reading readiness tasks that are just right for his age. The best known early reading programme that shows a positive effect is the Reach Out and Read programme from Boston City Hospital. In that programme, reading to children starts at 6 months with looking at picture books. In the meantime, suggest to your in-laws that they could a) be reading volunteers at a local primary school, b) start looking for the books your husband read as a boy so they will be ready for your son when he is ready, c) start a library for their grandson, reviewing what are the best and most enduring books, and d) collect up some old children's books or buy new ones and give them to a charity shop. These tasks should keep them busy, giving you more time to enjoy your son.