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Chapter 5: Activities for the young baby

To encourage your baby to respond to people and to sounds

Keep your baby near you when she is awake. Speak to her often to let her know you are near. She will learn to recognize your voice and respond to it.

Encourage family members to talk with her about what they are doing. If the same person always does the same activity - like giving the baby a bath - she will begin to recognize members of the family by what they do.

Encourage your baby to smile by talking to her. She may smile again if you blow softly on her belly or play with her toes.

Sing and play music for your baby. If she makes sounds, imitate them to encourage her to use her voice.

When your baby begins to make sounds, play with her by putting her hands on your mouth and throat while you repeat the sounds. This also helps her learn where sounds come from.

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