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Four friends of different ages walking arm in arm along a stone street at dusk, one carrying flowers

Together · 5 min

Talking your baby through the day

Talk to your baby about what you are doing as you do it, in your own words and your own language.

5 minutesFrom the library, free to readFour steps
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Babies are listening long before they can talk. Hearing a familiar voice describe the world around them is one of the simplest things you can give. It needs no toys or equipment, and it can turn ordinary jobs into time together.

The steps

Four small steps,in your own time.

  1. As you go about the day, say out loud what you are doing: now we are putting your socks on. Here is the kettle. Look, a bus.

  2. Pause after you speak, and watch for their response: a look, a sound, a wriggle. Treat it as their turn.

  3. Use the language or languages you speak most naturally at home. Each one is a gift.

  4. Add a song or rhyme you know, even if you think you cannot sing. Babies do not mind.

The reason

Why it helps

Babies learn about voices, faces and turn-taking from everyday chatter. Talking also gives you company during long days, and some parents find it helps them feel closer to their baby. Using your home language is a strength, not a problem.

A gentle variation

If talking to a baby feels strange at first, try describing what you see out of the window, or read aloud what you are reading yourself. If someone else cares for your baby too, a grandparent, a partner, a sitter, encourage them to chat as well.

One hand resting over another on a wooden table

WE · TRIBE

Try itwith someone.

Ask an older child or a grandparent to tell the baby about their day too, and point out how the baby watches them.

Make it a plan in HIVELIVE, with WE

Try it today

Today, talk your baby through one ordinary job, such as getting dressed or making a drink.

Add it to your day

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