Engage in 'Serve and Return' Interactions

So your baby’s just babbled 'bluh-bluh' for the 47th time and you’re wondering if you’re supposed to respond or just…smile and nod? Welcome to the Serve and Return Olympics, where you’re the only competitor and the prize is (drumroll) a slightly more connected kiddo and, maybe, a few more hours of sleep in 2027. If you’re fluent in Baby Gibberish or just faking it ‘til you make it, this is your jam.

Every time you respond to your baby’s little signals, their brain lights up like a holiday parade. These back-and-forths literally build neural pathways, boosting language, emotional regulation, and social skills. For you, it’s a sneaky way to bond, feel less like a clueless bystander, and maybe even unlock a new level of Dad reflexes.

How to do it

  1. Notice any sound, gesture, or look your baby gives you. Pay attention to even the smallest cues—they’re all ways your baby is trying to connect.

  2. Pause your grown-up thoughts, including the urge to check your phone, and make eye contact with your baby. This helps your baby feel seen and valued.

  3. Mimic, echo, or respond to your baby. You can do this with a silly face, a word, or a gentle touch. The goal is to show your baby that you’re engaged and interested.

  4. Wait for your baby’s next move. Be patient and let your baby take the lead. Repeat the interaction as needed, or continue until someone needs a snack or a break.

  5. Don’t stress over perfection. If you’re making the effort to connect, you’re already doing great.

Key Tips:

  • Every interaction counts, no matter how small.
  • Put away distractions to be fully present.
  • Follow your baby’s cues and let them guide the pace.
  • Enjoy the process—these moments help build a strong bond.

When you pick up your baby in the morning.

Make eye contact and say a cheerful 'Good morning!'
Smile at your baby and mentally high-five yourself for not just grunting.
Put a sticky note that says "Good morning!" on your baby's crib or nearby wall as a visual reminder for yourself.

During diaper changes.

Narrate what you’re doing or mimic any baby sounds.
Give yourself a little internal 'nailed it' for making diaper time less weird.
Place a sticky note near your diaper changing area that says "Narrate & mimic!" as a reminder to do the habit each time you change a diaper.

When your baby makes any noise or gesture while you’re nearby.

Pause and respond with a silly face or a gentle word.
Do a subtle happy dance or just feel smug about being a responsive parent.
Place a sticky note with a smiley face on your baby's crib or play area as a visual reminder to pause and respond whenever your baby makes a noise or gesture.

After feeding your baby.

Gently touch their hand and echo any coos or babbles.
Whisper a 'good job, team' to yourself (bonus points if your baby giggles).
Place a small sticky note or reminder on your baby's feeding area that says "Touch, Echo, Celebrate" to prompt you to do the habit after each feeding.