hispanic couple and baby

Baby Chat - How Babies Communicate

Newborns talk to you by crying. This is their first form of communication. By about 6 weeks they will be smiling socially – in response to people smiling and talking to them and you will have started to learn to interpret the difference between their cries of pain, hunger or tiredness. By 2-4 months they will be making cooing noises, especially when they are looking at you. They may quieten and turn to the sound of a familiar voice.

If you speak two languages in the home, your baby has a wonderful opportunity to listen to and learn a language.

Young father playing with his daughter inside with toys

Why you need to talk to baby

  • Babies learn about the world by seeing and hearing activities around them with their parents as role models.
  • A baby who is talked to a lot will not simply copy the words they hear, but also invent language and learn to like using it.

Talking Tips

  • Use an exciting voice for play and a soothing voice for settling.
  • During feed time, talk calmly and softly about what you will do today, or sing your favourite song.
  • At bath and nappy change time, talk and play, count baby’s fingers and toes, sing songs and play talking games like ‘Round and round the garden’.
  • Read to your baby and show them picture books, varying the tone of your voice.
  • When you’re out shopping, describe what you are buying. In the park, talk about the trees and birds.
  • When you’re having fun, baby will make happy sounds, then stop and listen to what you have to say. When you respond, baby will make more sounds. This is the beginning of taking turns, which is the precursor to conversation.

If you speak two languages in the home

Your baby has a wonderful opportunity to listen to and learn a language. Speak and sing to them in both languages from birth, but try to be consistent and don’t mix languages in the same sentence or situation.

Senior woman getting out of bed holding lower back in pain

Chapter 2 Watch Me Grow

Related articles

Grandmother and grandchild making dough in the kitchen

Chapter 2 Watch Me Grow

Your Baby's Day 0-4 Weeks

Grandmother and grandchild making dough in the kitchen

Chapter 2 Watch Me Grow

Your Baby's Day 4-8 Weeks

Grandmother and grandchild making dough in the kitchen

Chapter 2 Watch Me Grow

Your Baby's Day 8-12 Weeks

Grandmother and grandchild making dough in the kitchen

Chapter 2 Watch Me Grow

Bedtime Safety