I'm listening, can I join in?

Your baby enjoys listening to conversations and is gaining valuable knowledge about how conversations work. When you're talking with another person when your baby is with you, listen to their vocal sounds (they're probably trying to get involved!). 

Ways to involve your baby in conversation

When your baby makes a sound or a gurgle, respond to their noise by either copying their sound or saying “Hello”. Make sure your baby is looking at you so they know you are talking to them. Comment on what your baby is doing while you're talking; for example, if they cough, you could say, "Oh, are you coughing?". If they grab their toes say something like, "I see you're enjoying grabbing your toes today,".

Notice their smiles and what they're looking at

Copy their sounds and then comment on their smile, making sure you smile back. If your baby looks at something in the environment, say something about what they are looking towards. 

Throughout the conversation, your baby will use eye contact, smiles, laughs, different sounds and their body to communicate with you. Respond to as many of your baby's attempts to interact as you can.