An infant’s language and communication development begins in the womb.

They can:

• Recognise/show a preference for parent voices from 16 weeks
• Respond to the rhythm of singing and being read to from 24 weeks.
• Tell the difference between their mother’s language and a foreign language.
• Respond to and develop preferences for music in the womb.
• Begin to listen to language.

Many skills which contribute to the development of speech, language and communication are practised before the baby is born, for example:

• hearing and listening
• movement
• touch
• memory
• the ability to practice 'silent crying'
• sucking

Promoting Interaction:

• Communicating with a baby in the womb is important and helps attachment and bonding. It allows the infant to recognise familiar voices.
• Spending time each day talking, singing and reading to a baby will help them to recognise voices and help the bonding and attachment process
• A sing song voice is easier for babies to listen to.

Opportunities:

• Reading stories, singing and playing music to a baby in the womb can develop their listening skills before birth.
• Babies enjoy hearing rhythm and rhymes. Repeating songs, rhymes and stories will help a baby become familiar with them.

Environment:

• Finding a quiet time will help baby to focus on familiar voices
•  Talking and sharing songs, rhymes and stories during pregnancy can be a good way to relax and to get other family members involved.

Parents’ own speech, language and communication competence may affect their ability to interact positively and establish good relationships with their infant. It may not always be obvious that a parent has a communication support need. Some parents may also lack confidence in talking out loud to their bump or sharing songs and rhymes.

Women from vulnerable groups are more likely to require support in accessing antenatal services and other sources of support before and during pregnancy.

Which factors are associated with better and poorer SLC outcomes? | Early Speech, Language and Communication Development: Which Factors are Associated with Better or Poorer Outcomes? | Resources | Education Scotland.

The role of the health visitor and family nurses in providing advice and support to parents is central in the efforts to tackle inequalities in the early years. Below are some suggested ways of supporting parents:

• Some parents feel embarrassed or awkward talking to their bump – explain this is normal and some parents choose special quiet times to give it a try. It is also helpful to model this to parents in a natural way.
• Universal antenatal Bookbug resources – ensure parents are away or the universal antenatal bookbug resources including an antenatal playlist of songs and rhymes on the free Bookbug app.
• Health Literacy approaches and techniques can support meaningful communication, for example, teach back, Chunk and Check, using pictures and using simple language.
• Check directly with person how best to meet their needs and their preferred method of communication (see communication preferences checklist).

For professionals

• Home - The Health Literacy Place: Contains information on techniques for professionals to support meaningful communication.
• Bookbug for the Home training: Fully funded training available for midwives and health visitors who are working closely with families and would like to use stories songs and rhymes on a one-to-one basis to support families.
• Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: If children are Looked After when they are born or are care-experienced at any point between birth and 5 years, they will be eligible for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and access to free resources. Professionals can make families/carers aware or ensure that children are signed up through their local social work department. 

For parents

• Parent Club website is the host for the Chatting Together messages for bumps to babies, and toddlers to young children and has accompanying videos to share with families.
• Chatting Together Messages | National Early Language and Communication (NELC) Project.
• NHS Inform. Ready Steady Baby.
• NHS Health Scotland provides 3 accessible resources for parents with learning dificulties which can be given during pregnancy.
• CBeebies Parenting  Activities for babies, toddlers and children.
• Sharing songs, rhymes and stories before birth - Scottish Book Trust.
• Bookbug antenatal leaflet – available digitally.
• Solihull free resources for parents (using code TARTAN) inourplace | Solihull Approach – Scotland | inourplace – Understanding your pregnancy, labour, birth and your baby.