What to try
- Use every opportunity to speak to your baby.
- Focus on them and look directly into their eyes when you can.
- React positively to the sounds they make and use an upbeat tone of voice when responding.
- If your baby makes a sound, give them a big smile and repeat it back to them.
- Try to make sense of what they are saying. If they make a sound, or some sounds, pretend they are having a conversation and continue the chat. It doesn’t matter what you say, your baby will enjoy watching your face with avid interest.
- Make up some silly words and sounds to say to your baby and use lots of intonation. Hearing your voice rise up and down might excite your baby and encourage them to try and copy your sounds.
Good to know
Non-verbal communication is another good way of responding to your baby. Clap, smile, laugh and wave as they make babbling sounds. This will give your baby more cues to tell them that their babbling is a great thing.