Communication support for Early Sounds stage (2-4 months)

Early Sound stage milestones

  • Makes sounds other than crying

  • Reacts to loud sounds

Activities and Ideas:

Sound Awareness Activities:

  • Talk to your baby throughout the day, describing what you're doing: "Now I'm changing your nappy," "Let's wash your hands"

  • Respond excitedly to any sounds your baby makes - smile, get closer, and make sounds back

  • Use different tones of voice - high, low, whispered, sung

  • Play gentle background music during feeding or play time

  • Make everyday sounds more interesting: crinkle paper, shake rattles, tap spoons on cups

Daily Routine Integration:

  • Narrate bath time with soothing sounds: "Splash, splash, the water is warm"

  • Sing lullabies or hum during feeding

  • Use a calm, steady voice during nappy changes

  • Create quiet, safe spaces for your baby to hear and respond to sounds

Environmental Enrichment:

  • Limit background noise when interacting with your baby

  • Position yourself where your baby can see your face when you speak

  • Due to the child's vision still developing, you might use bright lipstick so that they can see your lips moving more clearly

  • Use natural pauses in your speech to give your baby some processing time

  • Notice what sounds get your baby's attention and repeat them

Important Information About These Milestones

Sources and Development

These communication milestones are derived from two widely recognised and evidence-based developmental screening tools:

  • CDC Developmental Milestones (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024 revision)

  • Ages & Stages Questionnaires® (ASQ®) screening tool

These milestones represent what most children (75% or more) can do by each age, based on available research data and expert consensus from developmental specialists.

Individual Differences

Every child is unique and develops at their own pace. It's completely normal for children to:

  • Master some skills earlier or later than the typical timeframe

  • Show uneven development across different areas

  • Progress through milestones in a different order

  • Have periods of rapid development followed by slower phases

Important Disclaimers

This guide is for educational purposes only and should not be used as:

  • A substitute for professional developmental screening or assessment

  • A diagnostic tool for developmental concerns

  • The sole basis for making decisions about your child's development

When to seek professional guidance:

  • If your child is not meeting several milestones in their age group

  • If your child loses skills they previously had

  • If you have ongoing concerns about your child's development

  • If your child was born prematurely (adjust expectations accordingly)

Professional support is available:

  • Speak with your child's GP, health visitor, or paediatrician

  • Contact your local early years services or children's centre

  • Request a developmental assessment if you have concerns

How to Use This Information

  • Use these milestones as a general guide, not a checklist

  • Focus on supporting your child's natural development

  • Celebrate your child's unique progress and strengths

  • Remember that providing a loving, language-rich environment is more important than meeting specific timelines

You know your child best. Trust your instincts and seek professional advice if you have concerns about your child's communication development.

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