- Find out from parents what languages babies hear at home and in the wider community, noting especially languages parents prefer to communicate with their baby.
- Ensure parents understand the importance of talking with babies in their home language.
- Pay attention to babies’ communications including facial expression, gesture, etc., and respond promptly so they know they have been heard.
- Encourage babies’ sounds and babbling by copying their sounds in a turn-taking or “serve and return” interaction.
- Find out from parents how their baby attracts their attention at home. For example, calling or banging from highchair, verbalising if left alone, seeking eye gaze.
- Recognise the importance of all sounds and babbling babies share – this is their way of sharing their voice with you.
