Play ideas and activities
Baby’s hearing
Stages: 3 to 6 months
Why do it?
Hearing and speaking are linked, so it’s important for baby’s language development that their hearing is regularly monitored Hearing is developing before speech.
Baby is interested in sounds made nearby, at around 4 months old they will turn their head towards a sound
Connections are being made in baby’s brain for sounds they’ve heard. Repeating them strengthens connections until eventually they become permanent language pathways.
By 6 months old, baby has made brain connections for many of the sounds in the language/s spoken in their home, especially the vowel sounds.
How to do it
You’ll need a rattle it could be homemade. It is best if baby is rested, has been fed, and is in the mood to play.
Do this activity on the floor.
Try shaking the rattle gently to the side of baby and watch how they respond.
Try shaking it above them and watch what they do.
Try shaking it further away and observe baby.
Try whispering to baby — see how they respond.
How far away can you go and then whisper to them, and still get a response?