How to: Talk with your newborn

WHAT YOU CAN DO AND LOOK OUT FOR

• Provide ways for your baby to see, hear, move arms and legs freely, and touch you. Skin-to-skin contact is also very good and can be done from time to time.

Notice your baby stretching and kicking his/her legs and arms when you touch and play with him/her.

• Make eye contact with your baby and smile in response to the child’s smiles and movements.

Observe your baby’s likes and dislikes and notice the reaction when you make sounds

• Talk to your baby using sweet intonations and ‘baby talk’ when feeding, bathing or changing clothes. Both parents should communicate with the newborn.

Notice that she/he can hear and will soon start recognizing you and the sound of your voice.

• Gently change the sound of your voice by making it slow or quick, high or low, or quiet or loud.

Observe reactions from your baby’s face and body and notice if she/he is interacting with you.

• Place the baby on her/his tummy. Shake a rattle or bell in front of her/him and slowly lift it just a little.

Notice how your baby is strengthening control of head and shoulder to follow the noise

• Gently soothe, stroke and hold your child.

See your baby comforted and happy to be held and cuddled.

• Have skin-to-skin contact with your child from time to time.

Feel your baby secure and calm as she/he feels, touches, hears and smells your presence.