How YOU can help your baby’s speech and language grow
(Birth to 6 months):

• talk to your baby - talk about what you are doing when you are washing, dressing or feeding him/her
• use your baby's name when talking to him/her
• touch your baby
• repeat the sounds your baby makes
• face your baby when you talk to him/her
• do things that make your baby smile and laugh
• show your baby different sounds and talk about them (examples - play a music box, make animal sounds, crumple a paper bag)
• speak or make gentle sounds when your baby touches you, looks at you or makes sounds
• show your baby picture books and talk about what you see
• use lots of facial expressions when you are talking to your baby
• sing songs or nursery rhymes
• play simple games like "peek-a-boo"

Adapted with permission from material developed by First Words Preschool Speech and Language Program of Ottawa-Carleton led by Pinecrest-Queensway Health and Community Services.

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