• 12-inch fabric, foam, wood, etc. letters spelling your baby’s name

Step 1: Everyday routines, like changing, bathing, feeding and rocking, provide endless opportunities to talk to your baby. As you talk, use your baby’s name often. As you’re changing a diaper, you might say: 

“I see Ava! Where’s Ava? There she is!” 

Step 2: Hang your baby’s name with large, brightly colored letters made from fabric, foam or wood on the wall above the crib or changing table. As babies look around and focus on objects, they will enjoy exploring the brightly colored letters with their eyes! 

Step 3: Bring your child’s visual attention to the name on the wall as you say it and talk about it. When your baby is lying on the back on a changing table or in the crib, you might say: 

“This says Ava. That’s your name! You’re our precious Ava. We love Ava sooooo much!” 

Step 4: Try singing a song to your baby using the name. Your baby doesn’t mind if you make up a silly song. Babies love hearing your voice and the sound of their names. You can even change the words to a popular lullaby. For example, try changing the words to Frére Jacques using your baby’s name. It might sound like this: 

“I see Ava. I see Ava. 

Yes, I do! Yes, I do! 

She’s our lovely little girl, 

She’s our lovely little girl, 

Yes, she is! Yes, she is!” 

Step 5: As your baby grows and develops during the first few months, watch for signs of name recognition. For example, babies may begin to smile when they hear their name.