Trust your inklings - learning how to read your baby's cues with a child development expert

Many new parents are often wondering how to communicate with their baby or are worried if they are missing something. Sometimes it can feel like reading a baby's signals is like learning a whole new language.

This is where child development expert, Department of Human Services (DHS) staff member and accredited Inklings practitioner, Brittany Wennan, comes in.

When you're not sure what your baby is saying

Brittany hears this often. Her response is not to hand you a checklist of everything your baby 'should' be doing, but to gently guide you back to connection and support. Brittany said, "If you are concerned about your child's development at any time, it is important to seek support. Early access to the right supports can make a huge difference to how children develop and grow."

DHS is offering one of those supports through a new program for parents and caregivers of babies aged 6 to 18 months. Inklings is a free program for babies who are showing early differences in their social interaction or communication, or whose parents simply have questions about how they're engaging. It is a research-backed program that’s proven to boost infant development and build caregivers' confidence in responding to their babies' cues. Inklings offers up to 10 one-on-one sessions with a trained practitioner (such as a nurse or allied health professional) and sessions can be delivered in children's centres, health clinics, at home or via telehealth, making it accessible and family-centred for busy households.

Brittany said babies are born with the ability to engage with us in their own way from birth. But she emphasised their ability to do this depends on how we respond and communicate with them in return. Rather than focusing on what a baby isn't doing, the program helps parents build on their own strengths in responsive and nurturing communication with their baby.

Refer a caregiver for support

You can refer a caregiver and their baby for support via the Inklings SA website.