🧠 Wellbeing · From the first few weeks
📚 Language and early reading: helping your baby communicate
Communication begins before words—with looks, movements, sounds and shared attention. Talking, singing and enjoying books together give your baby chances to practise. Use the languages your family speaks comfortably; connection matters more than a perfect performance.
Your simple reading kit
- Sturdy, age-appropriate board or cloth books, checked regularly for damage and loose pieces.
- A comfortable lap or supported position, your voice and pictures to point at.
- Songs and stories in your family's languages—for example, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, English, Nigerian Pidgin or any other home language.
Make communication part of the day
1. Describe ordinary moments
Say what you are doing: 'Let's put on your clean shirt' or 'Can you hear the rain?' Follow what your baby notices rather than talking continuously.
2. Use a warm, expressive voice
Try a slower, melodic voice and clear everyday words. Playful sounds and affectionate words are fine too; there is no need to police every 'doggie' or silly rhyme.
3. Leave space for a reply
When baby looks, moves or coos, respond and pause. Copy a sound, smile or name what they seem interested in. Communication is a back-and-forth exchange.
4. Share books early
You can begin in the first weeks with short, relaxed sessions. Point to pictures, name objects and let baby explore safely. Stop when they turn away or become restless.
5. Include all your home languages
Let family members talk and read in languages they know well. Multilingual exposure does not itself cause a language disorder. If you are concerned about hearing or communication, ask your local primary health centre or a paediatric clinician for assessment.
Classic mistakes
- ❌ Waiting for the first word Your baby's looks, gestures and sounds are already opportunities to communicate. You do not need to wait for speech.
- ❌ Making books a test Avoid insisting on finishing a story or repeatedly testing words. Enjoy the interaction, supervise chewing and remove damaged books.
A local detail, or your own experience with this guide? Write to the team
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When in doubt, contact your doctor or midwife. For a life-threatening emergency, call 112.