Video transcript

Narrator: Babies start learning from birth. They learn through the experiences and interactions they have with the people in their lives, as well as their surroundings. For example, when you respond to your baby’s cry, your baby learns that you love her and care for her, and when you cuddle or smile at your baby, it releases chemicals in your baby’s body, which makes him feel good and helps him bond with you.

The experiences and interactions you share with your baby form millions of connections in her brain. Your relationship with your baby helps her develop the skills she needs for life. The everyday things you do with your baby, like talking, feeding, changing nappies, are great opportunities to interact with each other, and help your baby learn.

Settling and comforting your baby helps him trust and rely on you, and gives him confidence to form relationships with other people. Noticing and responding to your baby’s needs helps calm and settle her, so she can do other things like play or sleep. Even if you don’t know why your baby is unsettled or crying, it's important to comfort her. Picking her up, cuddling her, and talking to her in a gentle voice makes her feel secure and loved.

Play is a great way to interact with your baby, and help her to learn and feel loved, and at this age the best toy for your baby is you. Games like peekaboo stimulate your baby’s brain and help him develop important skills, like thinking, communicating, socialising and moving. You can play with your baby anywhere and everywhere.

Everything is new to your baby. Singing, telling stories, doing tummy time, talking, or making funny sounds are great ways to play with your baby. Your baby loves hearing your voice go up and down and watching your facial expressions as you talk to him, and, even though he can’t talk yet, he is an excellent communicator. Talking, listening, and responding to him builds his language and communication skills.

Your baby is an amazing learner. She is learning new things all the time through the everyday things you do together. By playing with her and comforting her, you’re giving your baby a great start in life.