something, she learns that she's a person in her own right with an impact on the world around her. However, it's not just her own repetitive actions she loves, but yours too.‘From 6 months babies learn by imitation. So by watching you doing something again

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and blowing raspberries. She'll also start to smile - there's nothing quite as reqarding as the first time she smiles back at you...Baby boost: by watching your face, she's beginning to interact and develop language skills.Funny faces

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to vocalise and, by eight weeks, he'll start babbling sounds together into nonsensical phrases.'Playing with your baby is more than just fun - it's vital to his development and learning. And, certainly at first, you don't need to spend a fortune on playthings

her, play with her tiny fingers and toes and laugh with her as much as possible. But can all this be too much of a good thing for your baby? Certainly not, says clinical psychologist Jillian Lindon.‘Babies need lots of physical contact and reassurance

to educate parents about the huge role they can play in helping their baby develop vital communication skills in the first three years of their lives. Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust, comments: ‘The first three years are pivotal

Your baby might not be able to speak yet, but actions speak louder than words. Make no mistake, the way she behaves tells you: ‘I love you, Mummy'.Picking up on these signs is the key to a mutual appreciation society.‘Babies show a preference