Want to Boost Your Baby’s Language Skills? Try Serve and Return
Getting down on your baby’s level is a great way to ensure you are catching their serves!
You know those moments when your baby makes a sound, reaches out, or makes eye contact with you — and you naturally respond without even thinking about it? That’s actually one of the most powerful ways to support their early communication skills. It’s called serve and return, and while it sounds fancy, it’s really just a simple back-and-forth interaction between you and your child. These tiny moments of connection are how babies learn that communication is a two-way street.
Let’s Break Down Serve and Return
At its core, serve and return is all about back-and-forth interaction. Imagine a tennis game — but instead of hitting a ball, you’re sharing little moments of connection with your baby. Every time your baby “serves” by making a sound, looking at you, smiling, gesturing (such as reaching for something), or even making a funny face… you have the chance to “return” by responding. That response might be a smile, a comment, a word, a touch, or even copying their sound right back to them. By responding to your baby’s "serve” you are laying the foundation for strong communication skills and encouraging them to communicate more!
These moments are the foundation of communication. They teach your baby:
My sounds and actions matter.
When I reach out, someone responds.
This is how we connect.
And the best part? You’re probably already doing it — during diaper changes, at mealtime, on a walk, or while snuggling before bed.
What Does Serve and Return Look Like in Real Life?
Baby babbles… You babble back.
Baby points… You look and name what they’re pointing at.
Baby smiles… You smile and say, “I see that big smile!”
Baby squeals… You mirror the squeal and say, “Hi baby!”
It’s simple, but powerful. Every little back-and-forth strengthens your baby’s brain connections, supports their social skills, lays the groundwork for language development, and helps create secure bonds.
It’s never too early to start serve and return! Babies are born ready to build their communication skills!
Quick Tips for Everyday Serve and Return
✔ Slow down and notice your baby’s “serves” — even the tiny ones.
✔ Respond in a way that matches their cue — talk, smile, imitate, label, or engage.
✔ Pause! Take turns — don’t rush to fill all the silences.
✔ Make it playful and natural — no need to script anything.
Why It Matters
Research shows that responsive interactions — like serve and return — are key to healthy brain development and strong communication skills. It’s not about “teaching” your baby to talk in a formal way. It’s about creating moments that help them want to communicate. Serve and return is a great way to help increase your baby’s vocalizations and babbling, both foundational skills that lead to first words!
Bottom Line?
If you’re tuning in, noticing your baby, and responding with love — you’re doing it right. Serve and return isn’t just good for language; it’s good for connection. And that’s what really matters.
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This website and information on this blog post is provided for educational purposes only. It is not meant as medical advice, intended to replace a speech-language assessment, therapy from a speech-language pathologist, or serve as medical care for a child. It is recommended that you discuss any concerns or questions you might have with your speech-language pathologist, pediatrician, and medical team, and develop an individualized team plan specifically for your child.