Tips for promoting conversations with your baby

You may feel like you don’t know what to talk about or say to your baby, or feel awkward chatting to someone who can’t reply just yet. Don't worry about what you’re saying, just know that your baby will love simply hearing your voice.

By talking to them in these early weeks and months, you are creating a strong foundation for your baby’s language skills. Here are our top tips for getting chatty with your baby.

Look at your baby while you’re chatting

Try to gain eye contact, even for short moments, as you talk. Engaging in eye contact helps your baby to know that they are involved – and they love to see your face.

Listen to the sounds your baby makes

When your baby makes sounds or gurgles, listen to them. It doesn’t sound like a word now, but it is your baby communicating with you, and joining in your conversation.

React or respond to their sounds

You could simply copy the sounds your baby makes, comment on their actions, or make up a whole conversation to have with them.

Use lots of different, sometimes silly, voices

Using a variety of high and low sounds with your baby will help keep their attention. If you prefer, this can be a style of talking you save for times you’re at home without strangers listening in.

Most of all, know that talking to your baby is brilliant!

Be confident to talk to your baby, even if other people don’t think it is necessary. Just because you don’t yet know what they’re saying doesn’t mean they are not learning from you.