How Can I Help My Child Learn to Talk? (Adapted from MCHB)

It will be months before your baby says her first word. But babies start learning about language much earlier. Even in the first few weeks after birth, your baby is learning about language. Very young babies can tell the difference between speech and other sounds. They can tell the difference between the voices of men and the voices of women. They even know the voices of their own mothers. A baby can tell the voice of her mother from the voices of other women. Researchers think babies are able to do this because of the way specific parts of their brains work.

Babies can also communicate long before they speak. They use movements and sounds to let you know what they want or don't want. Some people refer to these as a baby's "signals". Right now, your baby can tell you if she needs something by fussing or crying. She can also let you know when she likes something or someone by looking intently.

Even before she can speak, you need to talk to your baby. Babies whose parents talk to them talk sooner and have a larger vocabulary. Talking to babies gives them language skills that will help them learn more easily when they get to school. Hearing words on the radio or TV is not very helpful to babies learning language. Your baby benefits from having you up close smiling, talking and singing. Here are some tips for helping your baby to talk at different ages:

9 months-2 years

• Read to your child. Children who are read to from an early age are typically more prepared for school. Reading gives your child exposure to many new words and concepts. It is also lots of fun!
• Sing, sing, sing. Singing with your child is a fun way to help language development. Even if you think you can't sing, your toddler will love it! Children like to listen to and learn the new sounds, rhythms, and words in songs. Add hand and facial movements. Children can learn to connect these movements with the meaning of the words. One way children learn is by imitating.

9 months

• Make language a game: Say, "1, 2, 3... GO!" when you take the child down from the changing table, out of the crib, or stroller. Let the child say "GO!" with you. Play peek-a-boo with your child. Hide your face with your hands. Move your hands and say, "Peek-a-boo!" Your child may look surprised, smile, and laugh. Children also like to hide their faces. Learning to take turns is an important part of talking together.

12-18 months

• Talk with your child during daily activities.
• At bath time name body parts.
• At meals name foods the child is eating and things on the table like plates, bowls, and spoons. Use simple directions like "Give Mommy the cup."
• At bedtime say "night-night" to family members, friends, pets, and toys. Read a short book together.
• Use simple expressions like "All gone", "Bye-bye," and "Where's mommy?" Call your child by a nickname or baby name.

15 months-2 years

• Talk and label label things. Give your toddler lots of exposure to words by using daily experiences to talk and teach language. Surround your child with a "language envelope," describing what you both are doing. For example, "Next on the shopping list is milk".
• Listen and follow. Encourage your child to talk by listening. Even if you can't always understand your toddler, listen to them. Follow your toddler's lead during games and activities. Talk about what your toddler is doing, expand on your child's words, and let your toddler lead the conversation.
• Be patient. Toddlers can't always pronounce words correctly. Don't criticize your toddler, but gently model the word your toddler is struggling with. For example, "Yes, that is a boat."

2 years

• Ask questions. Give your toddler many chances to use language by asking simple questions. See if you can prompt your child to start a conversation.

Should I be worried about my toddler's language development?

There is a wide range of normal toddler language development. Most children say their first word between 10 and 14 months. But many children don't speak clearly until later. Some toddlers may not be able to say understandable words. But they probably can communicate in many other ways. Toddlers cry, babble, gesture, point, and make faces to communicate. Toddlers can also understand much more than they can say. If you are concerned about how your child talks or what they understand, tell your pediatric team. They can help answer any questions that you have.

Adapted from Maternal and Child Health Bureau (2002). Healthy Start, Grow Smart: Your Newborn. www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/earlychildhood/healthystart.