728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › Milestones › Baby's First Words

Baby's First Words

Encourage Your Child to Talk

By Sue Pormeba

Pages:  1  2  3  

(Square One Publishers, 2006) and director of The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential. So they continue to talk or babble to the baby without ever waiting to see if Baby has a response.

"Incoming information is easier to process than outgoing information," Doman says. "The adult thinks the baby can't understand what is being said, but the trick is to listen. Then you not only have to listen, you need to wait." Mustering a motor response is difficult for the infant, but Doman says if you take the time to wait, Baby will eventually respond to your words.

When having a conversation with your baby, eliminate any excess noise and chaos in the room, Doman says. The baby doesn't know what to listen to, so they pay attention to everything, she says, when you want them to pay attention to your voice.

When you have Baby's attention, ask your baby a simple question and then wait for a response. Be consistent in how you ask the question by using the same tone of voice, the same manner of touching or looking at Baby, so that the baby builds a comfort level. Once Baby responds – and it may be with nothing more than a few babbling syllables and a wiggle of the arms – provide an answer of your own so he knows you are paying attention. Baby might not say a "real" word for months, but the two of you will be communicating and that is the first step to Baby's first words.

Encouraging First Words
Both Doman and Dr. Davis agree that the best way to encourage a baby's first words is to interact with the infant.

"When your child is pointing to something he wants, talk it through with him," Dr. David says. Sit on the floor for play time and say the name of each toy you pick up. And let Baby reach out to touch your mouth and face while you are speaking so he can feel how words are made.


Pages:  1  2  3  

Want to see more?

Comments

There are no comments for this article yet.Be the first to add a comment.

Post As:
Enter your comment below:
Title
Comment Text
CAPTCHA
Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection.