Early vocal contact encourages parents to talk and sing to their baby in a close, intimate setting such as skin-to-skin contact, and is part of a child- and family-centered care strategy. Studies have shown that the fetus and then the newborn recognize the mother's voice and that the parent's voice is modulated according to the baby's reactions, allowing for genuine reciprocity between the two.

Early vocal contact promotes better physiological stability and weight gain. It reduces pain during painful procedures and fosters the parent-child bond.

So, don't hesitate to talk or sing to your baby! To learn more, you can listen to the following podcasts, produced by the Neonatology at the Caen University Hospital.