Helping Your Baby Learn to Talk

Helping Your Baby Learn to Talk
  Babies learn an amazing number of things in their first two years, such as how to talk. Some start talking early, and others do not. Most late talkers are busy learning other things, but to be sure, ask a doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse or other professional about it, if your baby is not talking like other babies.  This chart helps you decide when to ask.
  Age What to look for in a growing, healthy baby Talk with a professional
  3 months Baby listens to your voice. He or she coos and gurgles and tries to make the same sounds you make. ü If your 3-month-old does not listen to your voice.
  8 months Baby plays with sounds. Some of these sound like words, such as “baba” or “dada.” Baby smiles on hearing a happy voice, and cries or looks unhappy on hearing an angry voice. ü If your 8-month-old is not making different sounds.
  10 months Baby understands simple words. She stops to look at you if you say “no-no.” If someone asks “Where’s Mommy?,” baby will look at you. Baby will point, cry or do other things to “tell” you to pick her up or bring a toy. ü If your 10-month-old does not look when people talk to him or her.
  12 months First words! Baby says 1 or 2 words and understands 25 words or more. Baby will give you a toy if you ask for it. Even without words, baby can ask you for something—by pointing, reaching for it, or looking at it and babbling. ü If your 1-year-old is not pointing at favorite toys or things he or she wants.
  18 months Most children can say “thank you” and at least 30 other words, and can follow simple directions like “jump.” ü If your 18-month-old cannot say more than 5 words.
  20 months Your child can put 2 words together in a sentence, such as “car go,” or “want juice.” He can follow directions when you say things like “close the door.” He can copy you when you say several words together. ü If your 20-month-old cannot follow simple commands such as “come to Daddy.”
  24+ months Your child adds endings to words, such as “running” or “played” or “toys.” She likes hearing a simple children’s story. She understands 3 words about place, such as “in,” “on” or “at.” ü If your 2-year-old cannot say 50 words or does not use 2 words together.

 

 

Ideas to Help Your Child Learn to Talk
  When to start Do the first activities as long as your child enjoys them. Add new activities as he or she grows older.
  Birth Help your baby learn how nice voices can be.

bullet Sing to your baby. You can do this even before your baby is born! Your baby will hear you.
bullet Talk to your baby. Talk to others when baby is near. Baby won’t understand the words, but will like your voice and your smile. Baby will enjoy hearing and seeing other people, too.
bullet Plan for quiet time. Baby needs time to babble and play quietly without TV or radio or other noises.
  3 months Help your baby see how people talk to each other.

bullet Hold your baby close so she or he will look in your eyes. Talk to baby and smile.
bullet When your baby babbles, imitate the sounds.
bullet If baby tries to make the same sound you do, say the word again.
  6 months Help your baby understand words (even if he or she can’t say them yet).

bullet Play games like Peek-a-boo or Pat-a-Cake. Help baby move his hands to match the game.
bullet When you give baby a toy, say something about it, like “Feel how fuzzy Teddy Bear is.”
bullet Let your baby see himself and a mirror and ask, “Who’s that?” If he doesn’t answer, say his name.
bullet Ask you baby questions, like “Where’s Doggie?” If he doesn’t answer, show him where.
  9 months Help your baby “talk” by pointing and using his or her hands.

bullet Show baby how to wave “bye-bye.” Tell baby “Show me your nose,” then point to your nose. She will soon point to her nose. Do this with toes, fingers, ears, eyes, knees and so on.
bullet Hide a toy while baby is watching. Help baby find it. Share her delight at finding it.
bullet When baby points at or gives you something, talk about the object with her.
  12 months Help your child say the words he or she knows.

bullet Talk about the things you use, like “cup,” “juice,” “doll.” Give your child time to name them.
bullet Ask your child questions about the pictures in books. Give your child time to name things in the picture.
bullet Smile or clap your hands when your child names the thing that he sees. Say something about it.
  15 months Help your child talk with you.

bullet Talk about what your child wants most to talk about. Give him time to tell you all about it.
bullet Ask about things you do each day—”Which shirt will you pick today?” “Do you want milk or juice?”
bullet When your child says just 1 word, like “ball,” repeat it with a little extra—”That’s baby’s ball.”
bullet Pretend your child’s favorite doll or toy animal can talk. Have conversations with the toy.
  18 months Help your child put words together and learn how to follow simple directions.

bullet Ask your child to help you. For example, ask her to put her cup on the table.
bullet Teach your child simple songs and nursery rhymes. Read to your child.
bullet Encourage your child to talk to friends and family. A child can tell them about a new toy, for example.
bullet Let your child “play telephone.” Have a pretend telephone conversation.
  2 years Help your child put more words together. Teach your child things that are important to know.

bullet Teach your child to say his or her first and last name.
bullet Ask about the number, size and shape of things your child shows you. If it’s worms, you could say: “What fat, wiggly worms! How many are there? Where are they going?”  Wait for the answer. Suggest an answer, if needed: “I see five. Are they going to the park or the store?”
bullet Ask your child tot ell you the story that goes with his favorite book.
bullet Check your local library for programs for toddlers. Ask your pediatrician for other guidelines.
bullet Don’t forget what worked earlier. For example, your child still needs quiet time. This is not just for naps. Turn off the TV and radio and let your child enjoy quiet play, singing and talking.