Serve and Return

"Serve and return" is what experts at Harvard's Center on the Developing Child call the back-and-forth between a baby and a caregiver. Your baby "serves" by cooing, crying, smiling, or looking at you, and you "return" by responding. These moments build your baby's brain and teach them they can trust you.

1. Share the focus

Notice what your baby is interested in.

2. Support and encourage

Respond with a word, a smile, or a nod.

3. Name it

Say what your baby is looking at or doing. This builds language connections.

4. Take turns, and notice endings

Your baby coos, you coo, and your baby coos again. Watch for signs your baby is done with an activity and ready for something new.

Source:

Harvard Center on the Developing Child

Questions? Text your peer supporter anytime

Serve and Return

1. Share the focus

2. Support and encourage

3. Name it

4. Take turns, and notice endings

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower mothers of young children through personalized text-based mentorship to foster maternal and infant mental health.

We believe that by supporting moms, we create a stronger foundation for families and communities, ensuring a brighter future for both parent and child.

Help Us Help More Moms

Serve and Return

1. Share the focus

2. Support and encourage

3. Name it

4. Take turns, and notice endings

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower mothers of young children through personalized text-based mentorship to foster maternal and infant mental health. We believe that by supporting moms, we create a stronger foundation for families and communities, ensuring a brighter future for both parent and child.

Help Us Help More Moms

Our mission is to empower mothers of young children through personalized text-based mentorship to foster maternal and infant mental health.

We believe that by supporting moms, we create a stronger foundation for families and communities, ensuring a brighter future for both parent and child.