Which Way Was That? The Left-Right Listening Game

For babies around 7 weeks old · Hearing · Sound Localisation · Early Language

Why this week matters

Your baby has been hearing since before birth — your voice, your heartbeat, the sounds of home. Around seven weeks, something new begins: babies start trying to work out where a sound is coming from, turning their eyes and, slowly, their head towards it. This skill, called sound localisation, connects hearing with movement and attention. It is also an early building block for language, because listening carefully is the very first step in learning to talk.

This week's activity: The rattle left-right listening game

You'll need: any gentle rattle or soft sound-maker — a small steel dabba with a spoonful of rice inside (lid taped shut tightly), a bunch of keys held so they jingle softly, or crinkly paper.

Lie your baby on their back somewhere calm and quiet — switch off the TV and fan noise if you can, so your sound is the star.
Hold the rattle about 25–30 cm from one of your baby's ears, out of their line of sight. Shake it gently for a second or two, then pause.
Watch. Your baby may go still, blink, widen their eyes, or slowly turn their eyes and head towards the sound. Give them time — this can take several seconds at this age.
When they turn, bring the rattle into their view and say warmly, "You found it! It was here!" Your smiling face is the reward.
Repeat on the other side. Two or three rounds per side is plenty — stop while it is still fun.

Make it your own: Play the same game with your voice — move to one side of the cot and softly call your baby's name. Or try it during tummy time, sounding the rattle at floor level to encourage a head turn to each side.

What your baby is learning

Sound localisation — figuring out where a sound comes from teaches the brain to combine hearing, vision, and movement into one map of the world.
Head control from both sides — turning towards sounds on the left and the right builds neck strength evenly and helps prevent a one-sided head preference.
Attention and listening — quiet pauses between sounds teach your baby to wait, listen, and anticipate — skills they will later use in conversation.

Make it easier with Kizoplay

Wooden Dumbbell Rattle — ₹299. A soft, gentle chime at just the right volume for newborn ears — and light enough for tiny hands to hold in a few weeks. Shop now →

Good to know

Keep sounds soft and gentle — a newborn's hearing is sensitive, so no loud shakes close to the ear. If you make a DIY rattle, tape the lid securely so no small pieces can come out, and always supervise. Don't worry if your baby doesn't turn every time, or turns faster to one side than the other at first — responses at this age are slow and inconsistent, and every baby develops at their own pace. If you ever have concerns about your baby's hearing, mention them at your next doctor visit.

This is Week 07 of the Kizoplay 52-Week Play Series — one simple, science-backed activity for every week of your baby's first year. Explore all our Montessori play kits at kizoplay.com