Our ten top tips for talking with babies. There are things you can do before your baby is even born to start developing their speech, language, and communication skills. Each tip is designed to you, or anyone who works with young children, small suggestions that can make a big difference and give them the best start in life.
Tip 1
Remember that babies start to learn even before they are born and can hear your heartbeat. From 23 weeks, they can hear sounds outside your body.
Tip 2
Babies hear your voice when you talk, read, or sing to them. This builds a bond between you and your baby; they recognise you when they’re born. This makes them feel safe and secure. Babies can even recognise the voices of other special people too.
Tip 3
Play music when you are pregnant. Babies love hearing your favourite music before they’re born! It can even help to soothe your baby when they arrive.
Tip 4
When you’re talking to your baby bump, gently touch or rub your tummy – this helps yourself and your baby relax.
Tip 5
If you’ve spent plenty of time talking and singing to your bump, your baby will find your voice calming as soon as they’re born, because they’ll recognise it!
Tip 6
Talk to your baby in your home language. This is the language you know best and are most confident using!
Tip 7
Babies love it when you’re close to them and they can see your face! Position your baby near to you and so they can see your face. You’ll make them feel safe.
Tip 8
Talk gently to your baby and wait for them to respond. Sometimes they might make little sounds or movements. Copy them, wait for them to respond, and see what they do.
Tip 9
Babies love to hear your voice! Look them in the eye and talk to them all the time. They start to learn rules about language as soon as they’re born. This will help with their speech development.
Tip 10
Although they might not use words, babies are still trying to communicate with you so try and work out what they’re trying to tell you.
