Is your baby ready to say their first word? As soon as your baby is born, they start to learn and grow skills called "pre-talking skills" (also called "pre-verbal skills") that will set the stage for their communication skills later on These early communication skills lay the groundwork for language development, social interaction, and emotional connection Before your baby says their first word, they'll need to practice and master these 8 skills: smiling understanding language/looking & listening joint engagement anticipation turn-taking imitation gestures vocalizations Your baby can practice these skills through play and everyday routines Example: your baby can grow their anticipation and looking & listening skills by playing peek-a-boo & imitation by clapping game |VC beyondbabbles