When babies are in the NICU, their brains need time to continue growing in a calm, quiet place. Spending time with your baby will help you get to know each other. They will recognise your voices from their time in your belly, which makes your voice a lovely sound to hear. You don’t have to talk all the time. Being close, seeing them, and allowing them to see you, if they can, all help too!
When is a good time to chat?
Just like adults, babies enjoy a little quiet time, especially if they are tired, hungry or uncomfortable. As you get to know your baby, you will notice how they let you know how they’re feeling.
- Watch out for their cues: These are the little ways they show you what they need. Through movements, facial expressions and noises, long before they can speak. Your neonatal team can help you learn what they're telling you. You can talk to them with a calm voice or repeat the movements or noises they make.
- Think about what else has happened before you chat: Check they’re feeling rested. If they can, their eyes may be open too. You’ll start to notice the things your baby finds soothing, like gentle touch. When your baby is calm, it’s a lovely time to connect and interact.
What should I talk about?
There are lots of things you can talk about! Use a soft, gentle voice when you’re chatting, to help them feel calm. You can try:
- Talking about what you’re doing: Start by telling them it’s you. Say their name and talk about what you’re doing and what’s coming next. This will help them feel calm and connected.
- Talk about the sounds and facial expressions they make: When your baby makes noises or changes their expression, you can have a talk together by watching and copying. This shows them you’re listening, which can encourage them to continue.
Extra tips and activities
- Look at books: You can read a story to your baby or talk about the pictures. If you share the same story often your baby may notice and begin to find the words and sounds soothing.
- Sing songs and rhymes: You can try a few songs or repeat the same ones. It doesn’t matter which songs you sing either! All singing helps your baby feel secure as they know you are close by.
- Create playful moments: As your baby grows, you can begin to try simple activities like skin-to-skin, counting their toes, or playing peek-a-boo. These calm, playful moments help them hear new sounds and words as they begin to understand some of the words you say.
Every baby develops at a different pace, and you know your baby best. If you have any questions, please speak to the team supporting you and your baby.
We know you can't always be on the neonatal unit. Whatever you can do with your baby, or babies, is brilliant for them. Your neonatal team can help you find other ways for babies to hear your voice while you’re not around, like recording yourself saying hello or singing a song or rhyme.
As your baby or babies grow, you might also like to explore our Little Moments Together cards, which offer simple ideas to continue building these early, nurturing interactions.
