Babies are communicating from birth

Babies are communicating with us from the moment they are born. They may not be able to speak, but if you observe closely you can see the nonverbal language they use to connect with you.   

They might show that they want to interact by reaching out or turning their head towards you. If you notice your baby doing this, talk to them! You might like to narrate what’s happening - “I can see you looking at me. Do you want me to talk to you? You are such a happy baby. I love it when you smile.” - When you respond to these cues, it helps your little one feel safe and secure.  

To boost these interactions, make sure you are face-to-face with your baby. This will allow them to not only hear you, but also see your lips moving, observing how words are formed and the expressions on your face.  

If your baby makes a noise, repeat it back to them and wait to see if they respond to you. These little sounds are their way of communicating with you and are the beginnings of them learning to talk. If you’re not sure what to talk about or feel self-conscious, try singing nursery rhymes with your baby. You’ll see their eyes light up and before too long they’ll be singing the rhymes with you. If you don’t know any nursery rhymes visit the Raising Children Network for ideas or attend a Rhyme Time session at your local library. 

Remember, it’s never too early to talk, read, sing and play with your little one. Early interactions help babies feel safe and secure, and are the building blocks of their language and development.