SOME people believe baby talk is something that comes much later in our baby’s development. Would it surprise you to learn the first six months can be one of the most sociable times of a child’s life?

In the early months babies are far more interested in faces than toys and from about three months you can use facial expressions, sounds and words to have a fabulous conversation with your baby.

It is easy to miss out on these vital face-to-face communication times, and as a result vital brain development doesn’t take place as effectively. Here are some tips to help with your baby’s communication:

- When spending time with other adults and your baby is present, make sure to include them in your conversation.

- As one-to-one conversations with babies have a different pattern to adult conversations, choose a time when your baby is wide awake and not hungry. Giving your baby the time to respond to you once you have made eye contact is extremely important.

- As babies respond to communication much slower than an adult or child, after communicating with your little one remain silent and allow your baby time to work through their response. This could be a little whoop of delight, a wave or a copycat expression.

- Babies find communication very stimulating and will need lots of breaks. If your baby looks away that is fine, they will look back at you when they are ready.

- Mobile phones can take you away from quality communication time with your baby; try to use them when they are asleep.

See: www.parentandbabycoach.co.uk

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