Little Conversations Before Words

Long before babies can say their first words, they are already communicating.

​

A look, a smile, a sound, or a small movement can be an invitation: “Did you see that?” “Are you listening?” “What happens if I do it again?”

​

One of the simplest activities you can try at home requires no special materials—just a few quiet minutes together.

​

Try it at home​

Find a comfortable place where your baby can clearly see your face. Begin by making a simple sound, smiling, or copying a sound your baby makes. Then wait. Your baby may look at you, move their arms, smile, make another sound, or turn away for a moment. Respond naturally to whatever they do. If your baby says “ba,” you might gently repeat, “Ba!” If they smile, smile back. If they reach toward you, respond to their movement.

​

The goal isn't to teach a particular word. It is simply to create a little back-and-forth exchange.

​

Follow your baby's lead

Try not to fill every quiet moment. Babies often need extra time to notice what happened and decide how they want to respond. A short pause gives them an opportunity to take their own turn. You may notice your baby repeating a sound, watching your mouth, or becoming excited when you copy them.

 

These small exchanges can become early experiences with communication: I do something. You notice. You respond. Now it is my turn again.

 

Add something to explore

You can introduce one familiar object, such as a soft scarf, a wooden spoon, or a textured ball. Let your baby look at, reach for, touch, or hold it while you describe what you notice:

“It's soft.”

“You found the edge.”

“You're holding it with both hands.”

​

Simple language connects words with what your baby is already experiencing.

 

What your baby may discover

Through this little interaction, babies can practice noticing sounds, facial expressions, movement, and patterns of communication.

​

Most importantly, they experience an attentive adult responding to their ideas—even before those ideas can be expressed in words.

​

Try this: The next time your baby makes an interesting sound, copy it once and wait. See what happens next.