Mom Is Calling Me

1. 1

   Your baby is becoming more alert to sounds, especially your voice.

2. 2

   Lay your baby on their back and softly call their name from one side. Pause to see whether they notice.

3. 3

   If there is no response, call again or change your tone: “Baby, do you hear Mom?”

4. 4

   When your baby turns toward you, answer right away: “You heard Mom calling. You found me!”

5. 5

   Move to another spot as if you are playing peekaboo and call, “Baby, look at Mom!”

6. 6

   When your baby looks again, smile and respond: “Yes, Mom is calling you. Shall we play?”

7. 7

   Once the game is familiar, keep changing positions and calling softly so your baby can find your voice again.

What to notice

• Turns to look at you when you call them Attending and Understanding
• Looks at you attentively while you speak Cognitive Self-Regulation (Executive Functioning)

Tips

• No special schedule is needed. Play naturally during a diaper change, after a bath, or before bed so your baby gradually connects Mom’s voice with being called.

Developmental benefits

• Language: Hearing Mom call and experiencing a warm response helps your baby notice that the familiar voice and words are directed toward them.