Your baby expects responses from you
Communication is becoming more two-way
By The Millie's Team · Parenting Notes
Around week twenty-five, your baby is starting to notice when their sounds, smiles or movements get a reaction. They may pause and watch, waiting to see what you do.
What is happening
Babies are learning that the people around them respond. When a noise leads to a smile or a wave leads to a word back, they begin to understand that they can shape what happens next. This is the start of two-way communication.
Is this normal
Yes. Some babies are very vocal and clearly waiting for replies, others are quieter and watch carefully for facial reactions. Both styles are normal and both are real conversation in their early form.
What you may notice
- Pausing after a noise or movement to watch you
- Brighter reactions when you copy them
- Smiling more during back-and-forth play
- Trying again when a sound or face gets a response
What helps right now
- Replying to your baby's sounds with words or smiles
- Copying their noises back to them
- Leaving small gaps for them to take a turn
- Talking through everyday tasks together
What to expect next
Over the next few weeks, these little exchanges will become longer and more playful. Babbling often follows soon after, with sounds that begin to feel more like real conversation.