Your baby starts learning language long before they speak their first word. From pregnancy to early childhood, simple daily interactions like singing and talking help your baby feel connected, comforted, and ready to learn.
Start with a Song
Choose a gentle, easy-to-remember song you enjoy, such as a lullaby. Sing it every day during pregnancy. You and your partner can both join in.
Once your baby is born, sing the same song softly near their ear. Your baby will recognise the melody and your voice, which can be calming and familiar.
Continue singing during everyday moments like during diaper changes, bath time, car rides, or when your baby is unsettled. Your voice will become a powerful tool to soothe and bond.
Make Reading a Daily Habit
As your baby grows, introduce picture books with bold colours and fun illustrations. Don’t just read the words. Point out different shapes, animals, or colours. Flip pages slowly and let your baby look and listen.
A great book to try is The Flying Bath by Julia Donaldson. It features vivid, imaginative illustrations that can spark curiosity and encourage attention.
Talk About Everything
Narrate what you’re doing as you go about your day. Say things like, “Mummy is folding the laundry” or “We’re walking up the stairs now.” Even though your baby cannot respond yet, they are listening and learning.
Point Things Out
During walks or shopping trips, point to things you see. Say, “There’s a dog” or “We’re putting fruit into the basket.” This helps your baby link words with the world around them.
Ask Questions and Answer Them
Get into the habit of asking simple questions and answering them too. Try, “What does a cat say? Cats say meow!” or “What are we buying? Milk and bread.” Over time, your baby will start to respond and engage.
Explore the World Together
Babies see the world in their own way. Slow down and explore with them. Smell flowers, look at birds, count cars, or watch bugs crawl by. These shared moments help build language and attention while strengthening your connection.
When parents sing or read to their baby before and after birth, they are not only creating treasured memories but also helping their child build strong language and communication skills. Your voice is a lifelong comfort that your baby will always recognise and love.
