Parent to Parent: Newborns brains

Two-month-old Lizzy has a lot to say. Even though you may not know what she's talking about, experts say adults should join in the conversation.

Bridget Martel, child development researcher
"Babbling back and forth is a good thing. Any sound that she makes, react to that sound because that's the beginning of verbal, of language building."

What you say isn't nearly as important. Babies love the sound of voices and even when they are not talking back, they are learning.

Bridget Martel, child development researcher
"Even though they can't talk to you and even though sometimes they don't respond to you, there's these little cells in her brain called mirror neurons that are learning and brain cells making connections even though she doesn't always interact with you or always respond to what it is you're doing."

At this young age, babies don't have much interest in toys, but they are interested in their surroundings.

Bridget Martel, child development researcher
"You can take much of what you have in your own house and do more with it than if you go out and buy your $100 blinky, moving, pop up thing. At this age, typically, you can put them with those toys, and even though they have the blinking and the music and the movement -- when they hear your voice, that will turn them away from the toy because they've got that connection with you and that's a fantastic thing."

But watch for cues that your baby has had enough.

Bridget Martel, child development researcher
"It can be an overdone deal and they'll let you know that pretty quick."

When that happens, it's best to just back off and switch to a calmer activity. Your baby will let you know when she's ready to play again.

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