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Really young babies often communicate their needs through actions.
They might kick their legs, wave their arms, open and close their hands or make different facial expressions to show how they're feeling.
One way to show your baby you're paying attention is by copying what they do. If they smile, smile back. If they wave an arm or stick out their tongue, try doing the same. Your baby may notice and respond by repeating the action again.
These moments help your baby learn that their actions can have an effect on the people around them. This is an important early step in communication and social development.
As you copy your baby's movements, try talking about what they're doing too.
You could say, "You're kicking your legs!" or "Look at those waving hands!" Hearing words linked to their actions helps babies begin to make connections between language and what they see and feel.
Don't worry if your baby doesn't respond straight away. Every baby develops at their own pace.
The most important thing is spending time together, watching, responding and enjoying these playful interactions.
Image caption, Copying actions like poking tongues out is one of the first steps to helping your baby learn to communicate.
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