How to Help your Baby to Learn Talking

Many babies do not say anything before their first birthday. But there is nothing to panic about if your baby is slow to speak, unless he has been very slow reaching all developmental milestones. Many normal children find word production difficult.

His earliest words develop from pointing. It is how we direct his attention to a picture or an object and name it for him. We say, “look, cat!”. Point out things around your home. Show him things that make noises and name the things whenever possible. Later, he will point himself. Words only develop next. Bright colors, noises and element of surprise in many baby toys and games attract his attention and help conversation. When you are out of the house, describe what you are doing and seeing together.

Sharing picture books is a pleasurable way to learn first words. It is also the best way to be sure you and your baby are looking at the same thing. Encourage him as he learns to name pictures in his book. He may wants to skip quickly through the pages he cannot name to get the ones he can. Praise his every attempt to name something. You can correct him gently by giving him the right word when you are reinforcing praise.

Baby will try to express himself through actions when he reaches 8 months old. He may use some actions as if they are words. Deaf babies can begin to learn sign language at this age. Make a collage of familiar objects for his bedroom and talk about them everyday. A simple bedtime routine can be calming. At first, he will make excited noise like “wowoow” to attract your attention. Soon, he asks for his bottle, and points to some of the pictures in his hand when he is 10 months old.

When he reaches 1 year old, he may have one or two words. Communicate with him often. That is the easy way of learning to talk. Use simple words. You will find objects, books and toys useful. Pointing or sharing songs and books will help him to learn what words mean. He learns what things are called because you name them.

You can play game together while learning new words. Most parents talk to babies as they play peek-a-boo games or zoom soft toys in to tickle tummies. You may find it is fun and enjoy seeing your little baby growing up and start talking in his baby dialect.

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