During play, my child makes sounds like “ah” and “oo,” but I have not heard sounds like “ma” or “ba” yet. What can we do at home?

Begin by copying the sounds your child already makes and enjoying the back-and-forth. This helps them experience that their voice gets a response. When your faces are comfortably visible, you can slowly model sounds such as “pa-pa-pa” or “ma-ma-ma,” but there is no need to ask your child to repeat them. Watch for a growing variety of sounds and exchanges. If you are also concerned about responses to voices or everyday sounds, you can discuss hearing as well as communication at a health check or with your child's clinician.