Communication with Baby
Some moms start by talking to their bellies but by the time baby is born, it's common for moms to begin talking to their babies right away. Even if, over the first few months, it feels more like a monologue than a conversation, baby is always listening and tapping into mom's voice, tone and body language. According to The Baby Book, "how you talk to your baby has a profound effect on your baby's brain development," and it isn't just how you talk, but also how you listen . Parents that take the time to listen can catch cues and have a better understanding of what baby wants and needs. In the book The Baby Whisperer, Tracy Hogg says that parents should always follow the S.L.O.W. technique (Stop, Listen, Observe, and figure out What's Up) before they take action. These skills, she says "are just as important as your baby grows into a toddler and beyond."
As babies grow, they hit various developmental milestones at or around particular ages. "Language is a very exciting milestone for both mom and baby, and there are many moments to look forward to," says Cindy Zizek, registered nurse. "It is important to remember that your baby may not hit the language milestones exactly on schedule -- every child learns and advances at different rates." If your child is significantly delayed, missing language goals, or regressing, then it may be time to see your family doctor to assess the situation. Below is a chart with language milestones and what to expect from infancy to toddlerhood.
Language Milestones
| Age |
Gross motor skills |
Fine motor skills |
Language |
| 1st month |
Baby wiggles, moves limbs, head has little support |
Hands held closed most of the time |
Crying, cooing ("ahh" sounds) |
| 2 - 3 months |
Baby kicks, and can briefly support head |
Hands open most of the time |
Crying, cooing |
| 4 - 6 months |
Turns around, rolls over, and has good head control |
Reaches for objects, holds them, and transfers them from one hand to the other |
Cooing in imitation to sounds and begins babbling |
| 7 - 9 months |
Sits unsupported, crawls, and may pull to standing position |
Holds objects, and begins to pick up smaller objects, starts to self-feed |
Babbling (ba-ba-ba-da-da-da) |
| 10 - 12 months |
Pulls to standing position, begins cruising, and may start to walk independently |
Holds cups, points, and puts small objects in containers |
First words with meaning (12 months) usually "mama" and "dada" |
Tips for talking to baby :
- Practice "Motherese" - More commonly known as baby talk, it is a form of speech often used to talk to infants. It combines a soft cooing voice with frequent pauses and exaggerated facial expressions as well as drawn out letters, particularly vowels
- Make eye contact - When you're talking with your baby, make sure to look into his eyes. It will make it easier to hold his attention and engage him
- Use your baby's name - Even though your baby may not understand the name you're using is hers, the repetition will help her to associate the sound as one she has heard before
- Talk about what you're doing - Talk your baby through all of the things you are doing, like your daily chores. This will help him to understand routine and become more familiar with words
- Keep it simple - Use uncomplicated language and short sentences with prolonged vowels that are no more than two syllables
- Ask questions - Using inflection in your voice and asking questions helps to familiarize baby with this form of speech, and encourages her to respond
- Let baby talk - Encourage dialogue between you and your baby, and make sure you let baby have time to speak. Just like in any regular conversation, pause and allow baby to interject
- Stay interesting - Make sure to check and see if your baby is interested in what you are saying. If she turns her gaze or head away, it may be an indication that you should try another topic
- Read and sing - Babies love rhymes and the rhythm of short stories and lullabies. In fact, some researchers believe that singing affects babies and their brain centres more than words do without music
- Give feedback - Make sure you praise baby when she tries to communicate, and imitate her sounds and noises. This will reassure her efforts and give her confidence
Learning another language
Many Canadian families want to share their cultural backgrounds with their children. Babies and young children pick up a foreign language very quickly, and although they may mix the different languages up initially, they will easily master them both. Teaching your children another language is a wonderful gift that will not only give them great opportunities later on in life, but it will also allow them to understand a shared culture and family history.
Learning how to communicate with your child in creative ways will help to develop a strong bond between you and your baby and secure her trust in you. Zizek explains that, "although her responses for the first year will mainly be non-verbal, all of your hard work will pay off the first time you hear her say mama."