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When we think of cognition and language milestones, we think of waiting for a baby’s first words to come in, around his first birthday.
But actually, the foundation for language and cognition (both are intricately interlinked) starts much earlier.
And, researchers have found that the way that kids are talked to results in differences in processing abilities – even as early as 18 months.
So as a parent, how do you make sure that you are giving your child the best learning foundations from infancy? There are some small, easy tweaks in the way you interact with your child, based on communication milestones that can get them started on being the brightest they can be.
1. Smile at your baby.
Of course you smile. But you can make it an intentional smile. Get close to her face, and give her a wide smile with great eye contact.
This is an attempt at communication. And by 3 months, your baby will be copying your smile. This is the most primitive form of conversation.
2. Imitate your baby’s sounds
When your baby coos or goos (until 3 months), or starts to babble p, b, and m words (around 4-6 months and up), imitate her! A Just like with smiling, when you do this, you are actually setting a foundation for dialogue and two way communication. You are also showing your baby that you see her trying to make sounds, and you are responding to them.
Finally, around 7 months – 1 year, you can try to get your baby to imitate some of your sounds. If you have been imitating her sounds, then you have already showed her “the game.”
3. Model sounds for your child to imitate.
See tip #2. This applies mostly for children around 7 months – 1 year. But you can always try earlier. Get down to your baby’s level, and repeat mini - words that start with p, b, and m over and over again – like “mama” or “bubbles” or “papa” or “ball”. See if your baby will try to imitate.
4. Play music
Around 4-6 months is when your baby will start to notice and respond to music. Train this attention early on, and watch his attention to other sounds skyrocket.
5. Play peek a boo
You can start introducing peek a boo as early as you like. But around 7 months – 1 year is when your baby will start to laugh and “get” the game. The more you play it, the more you are again establishing that 2-way communication foundation. You are also training your baby to pay more attention to his surroundings (especially sounds). And you are teaching him the words “peek” and “boo”. These are easy targets, because they start with “p” and “b”, the first sounds a baby begins to babble.
6. Model waving “hi” and “bye”
Waving is one the first intentional gestures your child will acquire. And intentional gestures are “sign language” – a precursor to spoken language.
Children start to wave around 7 months – 1 year. But it’s never too early to start showing them the wave. Again, get to their level, and be really close to them. You can even use hand over hand cuing, and model waving on their little hands.
7. Model following 1 step directions
Show your child you to clap, how to “come here” and how to blow a kiss. You are going to have to model a lot of times before your child picks up, and does the action himself after the command. It will start to happen around 7 months – 1 year.
8. Narrate what you are doing all day long.
So you are by yourself in the house with nobody but your baby for company? No problem.
Tell your baby what you are doing. “Mommy is washing clothes.” Or “I’m cooking soup” Or “Uh oh! It fell.” Your baby’s brain is like a sponge – and she is taking in everything that you are saying, even though it does not look like it. Speech-language pathologists call this “self talk” And with parallel talk, you are building your baby’s receptive language, and her “database” of words, while you work.
Talk slowly, and repeat yourself a lot. Try to repeat every phrase three times, like “I’m washing clothes. All these clothes. I’m washing them. We’re washing clothes.”
You might sound a little strange. But the rule of thumb is : the more talking the better.
9. Talk to your baby
When you are spending time with your baby, playing, or going through daily routines, actually talk to her. “Did you just smile?” or “Let’s wash your hands,” or “you look so cute.” You are establishing something called “joint attention.” Your baby will be aware of you paying attention to her, and she will reciprocate. Joint attention is one of the most important prerequisites for a child uttering her first words.
Again, the more talking the better. Read and sing, to mix it up, if you would like.
So there you have it! Nine tips to give your baby a firm foundation for his first words.
Pick a time and an activity with your baby. And start smiling, babbling, and playing today!
Disclaimer : Smarter Speech is a pediatric speech therapy / speech-language pathology practice for toddlers and children providing in-home and teletherapy services in and around Mountain View, CA and Los Gatos, CA. Smarter Speech Blog aims to provide free speech and language tips for parents educators and therapists. However, this post is not providing speech-language pathology services. This is general information, not speech -language pathology or speech therapy. This article does not assume or create a client – SLP relationship. The author is not liable for any losses or damages due to actions or failure to act based on the content in this article. If you need assistance with a child’s speech or language needs, please contact a speech-language pathologist in your area.
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