How to Enhance Early Language Development

Many babies say their first words around 11 or 12 months, but your baby is actually learning how to communicate before her first words are spoken. You can enhance early language development in your baby from the very beginning. In fact, there is much you can do during the first 6 months of her life to get her ready to talk.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Carry on a one sided conversation with your baby. Talk about what you are doing, what is happening, what your see, hear and feel. Read the newspaper out loud and tell your baby what you think about the articles.

2. Respond to early sounds he makes such as burps, grunts and cooing. This shows him that when he uses his mouth to make noises he gets your response and attention.

3. Hold your baby and talk to him. When you hold him he has the opportunity to look at your face while you are talking and learn where your voice is coming from. When you see he is looking at you exaggerate your facial expressions to give him more visual information.

4. Imitate sounds back to her that she makes. This teaches her verbal turn-taking and verbal imitation.

5. Read to your baby because it's very important for enhancing early language development. Start reading from the very beginning. Use simple picture books and label the pictures as you look at them together. Read poems and read nursery rhymes. The more you read the more you expose your baby to language.

6. Use your daily routine to enhance early language development. Routine activities are very helpful for teaching babies skills because they allow your baby to know what to expect and then be able to participate in the activity. For example, each morning before Daddy goes to work he gives his daughter a kiss, waves and says "Bye-bye". When your daughter becomes familiar with this routine she will begin to participate in it. She may begin leaning in for a kiss, waving or attempting to say "bye" herself.

7. Interrupt verbal patterns and then wait for a response. For example, say the pattern is that each time your baby finishes his bath you dry him off and tell him "tickle time" and then give him tickles. Once he becomes familiar with this routine, interrupt it. Dry him off and then pause to see if he gives you a sign that he knows what is coming next such as kicking his toes, squealing or looking toward your hands in anticipation of "tickle time." Once you see his sign, reward him with some "tickle time" fun to help stimulate and enhance early language cues.

Tips & Warnings

• Babies learn best through play. Model words and sounds while playing with toys, reading, feedings and changing. Provide interactive learning opportunities rather than videos or flashcards to enhance early language.

• Babies are at risk for having fluid or infections in their ears. Pay attention to his response to sound to make sure he is hearing okay. Be watchful to see if he startles to loud noises, searches for voices or exhibits other cues that may warn of hearing problems that may inhibit early language.