How to Enhance Language Development in Infants

There are simple ways to enhance your newborn's language development.

It is every parent or guardian's hope that his child will develop at a pace considered normal or above average. According to the Mayo Clinic, by the time a child reaches 12 months, he should have a few basic words in his vocabulary, be able to understand simple instructions and be aware of where certain sounds are coming from. There are many ways and activities to enhance an infant's linguistic development and to ensure that the child is on track.

Instructions

1. Encourage a child to make simplistic, monosyllabic, sounds such as "da" or "ma" from day one. Do this as often as possible, even if the child doesn't imitate the sound immediately. If the child does imitate the sound, repeat the sound back to him for encouragement. These sounds will later be connected with other sounds to form whole words.

2. Focus on body parts to help teach vocabulary. Point to your ear and say "ear". Then touch your child's ear and say "ear" again. Take a walk around the house and point out any ears you see. If watching television together, make the time to point out whatever body part that is being taught.

3. Constantly communicate with a child, whether you feel she can understand you or not. During daily routines, narrate your activities using simple sentences, such as "Mama washes dishes", or "Daddy closes door." These activities are usually repetitive, and the vocabulary is constantly being reinforced within your child's mind.

4. Expand the words your child already knows into sentences. For example, if your baby has recently learned the word "ball", pick up a ball and say "throw the ball", and then do it. If your baby knows the word "da-da", say things like "Da-da is here", and then point to "Da-da".

5. Read to your baby regularly. Consider books that have identifying photos and few words per page. The stories you read to a child can encourage a healthy curiosity and the imitation of certain words while building basic listening and vocabulary skills. Once the book is familiar, see if your baby can repeat any of those words.

Tips & Warnings

• If there are concerns that a child is developing slower than he should be, always consult a physician.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Infant and Toddler Health: Language Development: Speech Milestones for Babies
• Ideal Curriculum: Oral Language for Babies and Toddlers
• babyTALK: Parent-Infant Attachment: The Cradle of Literacy
• Kids Health: Why Read to my Baby?