Why do it?

• Baby will like gazing at faces and watching how your mouth moves while you talk.
• Baby is learning to match sound and mouth shape.
• Baby may try to copy your mouth and make a sound.
• Baby can learn to take turns making sounds with you. This is the start of having a conversation.

How to do it

• Make sure baby is fed, comfortable and ready for some social time before starting the activity.
• Hold or place baby so their face and your face are about 30 cm apart.
• Use ‘parentese’ when you talk to baby (speak more slowly, exaggerate your mouth and eye movements and speak in a higher pitch).
• Pause and keep looking at baby, as though you are inviting them to reply.
• Make another comment and wait for them to respond.
• If baby makes a sound, try copying them.
• Watch closely for any sign that baby needs a break.

Using more reo Māori