How can I encourage language and social development?

Everyday ways to boost early communication

Language and social skills grow from consistent interaction. Talk, sing, and narrate daily activities to expose your baby to varied sounds and rhythms. Even newborns respond to tone and facial expressions.

Activities to support development:

• Frequent talking and narrating: describe what you’re doing and name objects.
• Read aloud daily, even in short sessions, using expressive voices and pointing at pictures.
• Respond to babbling with back-and-forth ‘conversations’ to teach turn-taking.

Social engagement and milestones

Encourage eye contact, smiling, and imitation by face-to-face play and peek-a-boo. Provide opportunities for safe interactions with different people and settings. If you notice limited eye contact, little babbling by 6–9 months, or lack of social response, raise concerns with your pediatrician for early assessment and possible referral.