By Michelle Molloy, Speech Pathologist, Spot Paediatrics
The early days shape more than first smiles and words. From feeding and sleep to turn-taking moments and babbling, everyday interactions support your baby’s communication, attachment and sense of safety.
In this practical guide, Michelle Molloy from Spot Paediatrics shares ways to support early communication, protect your mental health, and navigate feeding challenges with confidence, so you feel informed and connected from the start.
Communication Starts From Day One
Communication begins before first words, through responsive interaction, crying, facial expressions, gestures and babbling.
Talking, singing and responding from birth help build strong foundations for speech and language. While milestones can guide you, each baby develops at their own pace. Early support strengthens connection and helps reduce frustration.
Simple ways to support communication:
• Get face-to-face and follow your baby’s lead
• Respond to sounds and expressions as back-and-forth conversations
• Narrate everyday moments
• Sing repetitive songs, noticing rhythm and tone of voice
• Read and explore books together
• Aim for short, frequent moments of connection throughout the day
Supporting Your Mental Health and Attachment
Mental health and wellbeing influence how we cope with stress, feel supported and connect with our baby. Simple strategies like slow breathing, grounding or pausing can help you feel more present.
When you feel regulated, your baby benefits too. This shared regulation supports emotional development, attention and early communication.
Protective factors in early parenthood include social connection, supportive relationships, emotional regulation, cultural identity and pride, and confidence in your role. Your wellbeing plays an important role in your baby’s development.
Feeding and Mealtime Support
Feeding challenges can be supported by midwives, lactation consultants, nurses, GPs and Speech Pathologists. Speech Pathologists specialise in feeding and swallowing, helping improve feeding safety, comfort and positive mealtime experiences.
When caregivers feel calm and supported, babies often feed more easily and mealtimes become more connected.
Signs to watch for during feeding include:
• Coughing, gagging, or choking while feeding
• Wet, gurgly, or hoarse sounds after a feed
• Rapid, shallow, or noisy breathing
• Fatigue, sweating, or frustration during meals
• Refusing certain textures or foods, or arching the back in discomfort
• Slow weight gain or poor growth
If you notice these signs, early support from a Speech Pathologist can help improve feeding safety, comfort and mealtime experiences.
Neurodiversity and Different Development Paths
Development can look different. Communication may include speech, gestures, signs, AAC, shared attention or focus, and other meaningful ways of showing engagement. Support is tailored to each child and family.
When to seek support:
• Feeding feels stressful or unsafe
• Your baby isn’t engaging or vocalising as expected
• Communication differences are causing frustration
• You feel concerned and want reassurance
Communication development centres on connection. Early support helps children communicate in ways that work for them and supports families to feel confident and capable.
S P O T Paediatrics
Speech Pathology & Occupational Therapy
Spot Paediatrics, Level 1/360 Brighton Rd, Hove
08 7228 6825
spotpaediatrics.com.au
@spotpaediatrics
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