You don’t need a stack of books or a perfectly curated nursery to start your baby’s reading journey.

In this heartening and practical conversation, Katie is joined by Dr. Stephanie Montgomery — educator, early literacy advocate, and all-round story enthusiast — to explore how even the simplest moments can nurture a love of language from the very beginning.

Together, they dive into:

How stories help shape early communication and emotional connection

Why reading isn’t about the book — it’s about the bond

Easy ways to build early literacy, even without books at home

The everyday power of rhythm, rhyme, and your baby hearing your voice

Whether you're a bookworm or just trying to keep your eyes open through nap traps and night feeds, this episode is a gentle reminder that every story you tell — even the silly ones — is building something important.

🎧 Tune in now and let’s keep the conversation going in the Podcast Lounge, inside the By Your Side app.