Sound Source Search for Baby
Use soft rattles and your voice from different positions to encourage your baby to turn toward sounds — a foundational skill for language development.
What You'll Need
- 1Soft baby rattle (taste-safe)
What You'll Need
A soft baby rattle (taste-safe, nothing with small parts)
A quiet room with minimal background noise
How to Play
Lay your baby on their back on a comfortable surface in a quiet room.
Sit beside your baby and gently shake a soft rattle about 12 inches from their right ear.
Wait and watch — give them time to turn their head toward the sound. Celebrate with a smile when they do.
Move to the left side and try again with the rattle.
Now try your voice. Move to one side and softly call their name. Wait for the head turn.
Try sounds from slightly behind baby at a 45-degree angle so they need to search more.
Alternate between the rattle and your voice, varying which side you're on.
Keep sessions to 5-10 minutes. End while baby is still happy and engaged.
Tips
Turning toward sound is one of the earliest building blocks of language. Before babies can understand words, they need to locate where speech is coming from.
If baby doesn't turn at first, try moving the sound source closer. Some newborns need the sound within 6-8 inches before they'll respond.
Use different sound makers as baby grows — crinkly fabric, a soft bell, a whispered voice. Each new sound gives their brain new information to process.
This is also a great way to informally check your baby's hearing. If they consistently don't respond to sounds on one side, mention it to your pediatrician.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 10 min, with 0 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: soft baby rattle (taste-safe).
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 0-6 months. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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