That’s My Name!

1. 1

   Recognizing and responding to their own name is an early sign that your baby is beginning to distinguish themselves from other people.

2. 2

   Lay your baby on their back and look into their eyes. Gently ask, ‘Are you Maya?’ Watch how they respond.

3. 3

   If your baby smiles, moves their hands or feet, or coos, acknowledge it warmly: ‘Yes, you’re Maya!’

4. 4

   Then try another name: ‘Are you Riley?’ If your baby responds mainly to their own name, they may be starting to recognize that it refers to them.

5. 5

   Repeat with the two names, changing your tone or rhythm or singing the names to keep the interaction playful.

What to notice

• Responds after hearing their name Sense of Identity and Belonging
• Looks at you intently while interacting with you Cognitive Self-Regulation (Executive Functioning)

Tips

• Use the name or nickname your baby hears most often. When you try a different name, repeat it only two or three times—and no more than five—so the contrast stays clear.
• If your baby does not show an obvious response yet, that is okay. Keep using their name naturally in everyday conversation and notice how their response changes over time.

Developmental benefits

• Social/Emotional: Responding differently to their own name during an interaction with you is an early sign that your baby is beginning to recognize the name as referring to them.