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How do infants have conversations?
Infants might not use words the way older children do, but they can still engage in conversational turns!
The LENA device picks up all speech-related sounds, including things like coos, babbles, and raspberries. Crying is a form of communication, but is not a speech-related sound (so won't be included in your LENA report).
💬 For the first few months, a baby’s side of the conversation is mostly gestures and cooing sounds.
💬 After a few months, babies start using clearer sounds and saying things to get reactions from you.
💬 Later in their first year, babies start making speech sounds. They babble with you, going back and forth more like an adult conversation.
Educator example
Watch how this teacher uses the strategies above to engage an infant during a diaper change.