Prep: None / Activity Time: 4-5 Minutes

Toward the end of the first six months, your infant will begin to experiment with her mouth, tongue and throat, and make more sounds. This is your child’s way of testing her vocal abilities and having fun making noises. You can react to the sounds your child is making -- make them back, and create a back-and-forth conversation between you and your child.

Your voice!

Step 1:  You may be holding your baby, or she may be sitting or lying down.

Step 2:  Have a “conversation” with your baby, saying her name often. Mimic the sounds your child is making and then add to it by making eye contact, speaking in complete sentences and using real words. The more words your child hears, the more she will learn. Notice your baby’s cues. She may let you know that she has had enough by turning her head away, making a face or crying.  

Discover more at-home activities to build early oral language skills in your baby, or find a recommended book to read with your infant.