When my first baby was born, I worried about a lot of things:
Was I talking enough?
Would Vietnamese stick if everyone else around her spoke English?
Was I doing enough to raise a bilingual child?
Looking back, I realize something comforting: heritage language doesn’t begin with flashcards or lessons. It begins with everyday moments: a lullaby during a diaper change, a silly game while changing clothes, or a conversation with a baby who can’t answer back yet,…. Many of these activities come from my own childhood in Vietnam. Others I’ve borrowed from my husband’s family or adapted from developmental play ideas at Pathways.org. None of them are complicated, and that’s exactly the point.
Here are a few simple ways we brought Vietnamese into everyday life during those first six months.
1. Sing Vietnamese Songs
You don’t need a beautiful singing voice because your baby already has a favorite voice: YOURS.
Some of our favorites include:
- Con Cò Bé Bé
- Kìa Con Bướm Vàng
- Cả Tuần Đều Ngoan
Your baby won’t understand the words yet, but they’ll begin recognizing the rhythm and melody of Vietnamese while feeling safe in your arms.
💡 For playlist ideas, check out our IG account @little.ears.books.
2. Read Vietnamese Books Together
It’s never too early to start reading.
During the newborn stage, babies aren’t following the story. They’re listening to your voice, watching your face, and building positive associations with books.
High-contrast books are especially wonderful during these early months because they’re easier for babies to see.
Our family often reaches for Black & White, Numbers & Shapes, a bilingual board book I created to combine early visual development with Vietnamese vocabulary.
3. Explore High-Contrast Images
Newborn vision is still developing.
Simple black-and-white patterns, bold shapes, and large images help babies practice focusing.
Hold images about 8 to 12 inches from your baby’s face, about the same distance they naturally see you while being held.
4. Babbling Conversations
Your baby may only answer with coos and squeals but the conversations can go on.
When my babies babbled, I treated it like the most important conversation of my day:
“Con đang kể chuyện gì với mẹ vậy?”
Even though they couldn’t respond with words, they were learning that communication goes both ways.
5. Bạn heo nhỏ (Little Piggies)
This became one of our favorite games after my in-laws taught us their version of This Little Piggy.
Instead of following the English rhyme exactly, we made it our own.
As I wiggle each tiny toe, I say things like:
- Bạn heo nhỏ này đi thư viện.
- Bạn heo nhỏ này uống sữa.
- Bạn heo nhỏ này ăn phở.
- Bạn heo nhỏ này đọc sách.
Then the last little piggy…
“…chạy một mạch về nhà với mẹ!”
My kids still laugh every time.
6. Pedaling Legs
Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs like they’re riding a bicycle.
Sometimes we’d sing Bác Đưa Thư Vui Tính while we played.
It’s simple movement, but babies love the rhythm, the interaction, and hearing Vietnamese along the way.
7. Thổi bong bóng (Blow Raspberries)
This one doesn’t need much explanation.
Blow raspberries on little tummies, tiny feet, or chubby hands.
Lots of giggles guaranteed.
8. Ú òa (Peek-a-boo)
Cover your face.
“Ú…”
Then pop back out.
“Òa!”
Peek-a-boo never seems to get old. It also helps babies begin understanding that people and objects still exist even when they’re out of sight.
9. Múa bóng với tay (Hand Shadow Play)
This is my classic, and yet, nostalgic childhood games.
Turn down the lights and shine a flashlight on the wall.
Make a bird, a dog, a bunny,…
Immerse yourself in the imagination and give each animal a silly Vietnamese voice.
Babies may not understand every word, but they’re captivated by movement, light, and your voice.
Final Thoughts
One thing I’ve learned from raising bilingual kids is that language grows through connection.
Not every activity has to be educational.
Not every moment has to feel productive.
Sometimes, singing one Vietnamese lullaby while rocking your baby to sleep is enough.
Those tiny moments add up, and before you know it, Vietnamese becomes part of your family’s everyday rhythm.
⚠️ Disclaimer
I’m sharing these ideas as a Vietnamese mom and children’s book author, not as a medical professional. Every baby develops at their own pace, so always follow your child’s cues and consult your pediatrician if you have questions about their development.
Please supervise your baby during all activities.
The songs, rhymes, and translations shared here are for cultural and educational purposes. If you share them elsewhere, I’d appreciate credit to @little.ears.books.
