How to Talk to Your Infant

By eHow Parenting Editor

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Talk your baby through daily events that happen to her, such as diapering, feeding and naptime, so that she will begin to anticipate them and cooperate with you.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

When you talk to your baby, use your own natural inflection and way of speaking. Being genuine in this way carries through to other aspects of your life together.

Step2

Tell your baby before you pick her up or do anything else with her: "I'm going to change your diaper now." Or, "It's time for your bottle." This way, she can begin to anticipate what will happen next. Being able to anticipate daily events gives her a feeling of security and control.

Step3

Talk her through things that are happening to her, as a doctor or dentist might do with a patient. This adds to her feelings of security.

Step4

Tell your baby your expectations. Ask for her cooperation when you do things with her, such as bathing her or changing her diaper: "Can you lift your bottom?" Even if she doesn't completely understand or have the ability to comply, you are involving her in the task and inviting her to cooperate.

Step5

Tell your baby when you are leaving the room. Even though tears may follow, she will eventually learn to accept the fact that Mommy or Daddy goes away for a time. This type of honesty is better for your child than having a parent who seems to disappear. Disappearing undermines the basic trust that you are trying to establish.

Tips & Warnings

The latest research shows that talking to your baby builds neural circuitry in the brain, which can help her learn language more quickly. Modern research also suggests that talking to your baby can make her smarter.
Talk to her about things that concern her. It's not necessary to talk continuously.
Remember that talking to your baby builds attachment and closeness, but listening is just as important.

Comments

Mommy-of-2 said

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on 6/21/2008 We have talked our boy through the day since he was born. I can see that it has help him he is 8 months and dose talk a bit. He will say yes to things like are you hungry or are you poopy. He also says mama and dada to the right person. Other words he says are baba baby bubu(brother)bink(y). He really watches conversations and moves his mouth like we are. Sometimes he puts 2 or 3 words together too.

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