Crying.
Think of it as your baby's first form of communication.
For newborns, it's the only way they can tell you they're hungry, wet, tired, uncomfortable or sick.
As the months go on, babies' communication skills broaden as they begin to babble, coo, laugh and squeal.
By the end of the first year, they may even have a vocabulary of two or three words.
Babies are also experts at non-verbal communication. They wave their arms, kick their feet, smile and frown or turn their heads in response to what is going on around them.
But communication is a two-way street.
Parents "talk" to their infants by the way they respond to them through their words, touch, facial expressions and play.
Good communication builds trust that is essential in any parent-child relationship.
What can you do to keep the lines of communication open between you and your baby and pave the way to language development?
Suggestions
Use daily activities like feedings, bath time, dressing and nappy changing, bedtime and play time as opportunities to communicate.
Look into your baby's eyes and talk, explain what you are doing or what is going on around you.
Sing or hum songs, make silly faces, play games.
Ask questions and wait for a response or cooing or other baby talk.
Use a different voice to talk to your baby - make it higher pitched, slower, or unique in some other way so your baby knows you're directing your attention to him.
Use simple sentences. Repeat words or phrases.
Notice what baby is interested in or doing at the moment and comment on it.
Imitate baby's sounds or actions. This encourages him to make more sounds and to carry on a "conversation" with you.
As your baby gets older and begins saying things that sound like words, try to repeat back the word you think he is trying to say.
Respond to your baby's cries or other pleas for attention consistently and gently.
This makes your baby feel he has been heard and is important and special to you.
Also respond to clues that your baby is getting tired of communicating and respect his need for some quiet time.
Read simple rhymes or board books to your baby and point to the pictures.
It's never too early or too late to begin.