Communicating with your baby

All talk and play between you and your baby is valuable. As your baby grows, it is even more important to know what is interesting to him at that time and  be ready to follow his lead or think of new ideas to entertain and stimulate him.

This isn’t always easy. You may be feeling tired, especially if you are now balancing work and family life, and concerned about getting domestic chores completed as well as playing and chatting. But there are plenty of ways you can incorporate this into your daily routine.

Rhymes and songs

Rhymes and songs are wonderful sources of early learning and enjoyment. Rhymes help your baby to understand the importance of sounds, and repetition means the words are easily learnt. The rhythm of simple verse can be linked to actions, whether just jogging up and down on your knee or suiting gestures to the meaning of the words.

Use CDs to remind you of songs and rhymes, or to learn new ones, but don’t forget to sing to your child as well. You may think you don’t have a great voice, but he does and he loves to hear it. Look for new ideas as he gets older but go back to the old ones too, especially if he is tired or not well. The familiarity is welcome and comforting.

Books and stories

Looking at books and simple stories together is enjoyable and you can begin reading to him as soon as you like. This can also be a signal that it is time to calm down and have a restful period, perhaps before bedtime or a daytime nap. Remember that in the early years you are not trying to teach your child to read. Allow your child to point out the pictures to you and offer names of objects. Enjoy this opportunity to cuddle up and talk together.

Children’s books are available in every shape, size and style. Some are deliberately chewable, or waterproof for taking in the bath. You may want to think about whether you’d like some books kept in good condition to be looked back at later.

It is not too hard to make up your own books. You can use your own photos or drawings, with a few added words or your child’s name. Bind the sheets of paper or card with string or ribbon, rather than using staples. When he is a bit older, he can join in making books too, using the pictures he has drawn.

Using different languages

Many families use more than one language. You may have a particular reason for your child to grow up using a certain language, perhaps to talk to other members of the family who don’t speak English. It’s best to talk in the early days in whichever language you are most comfortable and fluent. In this way, your child will learn a wide vocabulary and how to use language easily. Later on it will be easier for him to learn another language because he has had the early experience of your fluent speech. Bilingual children in general benefit from their knowledge of two or more languages and learn others more easily.

Your verbal toddler

Sometime between their first and second birthday your child will begin to use words and even put them together into two word phrases (although, as with all milestones, individual children vary greatly). Listening and responding carefully to your child will encourage him to use the words he knows and learn many more.

If you are out and about a lot, for example getting to work or picking up other children from school or nursery, it can be helpful to think about maximising the time to have one-to-one conversations. For example, you can consider buying a buggy where your child’s seat faces you, so you can talk while in eye contact. If you are driving, of course you need not to be distracted, but try to reply to sounds or words as soon as you can, so that he does not feel frustrated at the lack of response.

There is no evidence to suggest that age-appropriate television programmes can extend your child’s language skills, but about half an hour a day for the under-twos is the recommended maximum. Try to avoid letting your child watch TV on their own and instead watch with him so you can discuss what you are viewing.

Key points for language development

• Make his environment ‘language-rich’ with plenty of stories, books, rhymes and conversation.

• Listen carefully to his early words and don’t criticise or draw attention to mistakes, simply repeat the words properly.

• Where possible make eye contact before speaking so you know he is listening.

• Try to avoid the habit of frequent instructions. Talk should be fun, not bossy, and children need the opportunity to talk, not just to listen.

• Avoid having the television or radio on as a constant background noise.

Further information

NCT's helpline offers practical and emotional support in all areas of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood: 0300 330 0700.

You might find attending one of NCT's Early Days groups helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area.

Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.

For a range of books and teaching aids concerning communicating with babies please visit www.nctshop.co.uk.

Words for Life, a dedicated website from the National Literacy Trust, provides clear information about early communication skills and is a great resource for ideas on bringing these skills into your baby’s everyday life.