We now know that babies do a lot of learning even before they’re born. Research has shown us that not only do babies know the sound of their mother’s voice at birth, but they also recognise their native language and can identify songs, rhymes and stories that they hear frequently while in utero.
Your baby’s language learning begins before birth, so explore below to learn about how your baby is getting ready for talking even before they’re born.
Your baby’s upper jaw and the roof of their mouth have now fused at the mid-line.
Your baby’s outer and inner ear are forming.
Your baby’s brain has almost finished forming.
Twenty teeth have started to form in your baby’s gums.
Your baby’s reflexes are fully functioning.
Your baby is able to suck their thumb.
Your baby might startle to loud noises.
Your baby is experiencing different flavours as they now have taste buds.
Your baby can hear your voice.
Your baby now has all of its permanent teeth formed beneath their gums.
Your baby’s inner ear is the same size as yours.
Your baby’s brain, now fully formed, will continue to grow in size.
Your baby can recognise light, hear and feel pain.
Your baby can recognise familiar voices and music and may become more active when you are talking.
Your baby can feel your touch and may become more active if you rub your tummy firmly.
Your baby can now open its eyes.
Your baby may suck their thumb.
Your baby is making lots of connections in their brain. They are learning.
Your baby is learning how to suck and swallow, getting ready for their first breastfeed.
Your baby can suck and swallow now with ease.
Your baby’s lungs are fully mature now and they are ready to take their first breath.
Your baby is full term and ready to enter the world. Although they are not yet born, their brain is busy everyday making new connections and learning new skills.
