As a parent, you’re probably excited to hear your baby’s first words. But did you know that words aren’t the only indication of language development? Here are some signs that your baby may soon start talking:
- Attempts to Speak: When babies are about 10 months old, they may suddenly start to produce their first recognizable words. Often, their very first words are ‘Da-Da’ and ‘Ma-Ma’. These utterances are really abbreviations of words. For example; ‘Ba’ could be the short for bottle, ‘cuh’ for cup, ‘mo’ for more and ‘soo’ for shoe. At this point, simple sounds like these are all your baby can manage.
- Understands Your Words: One very important sign that your baby is learning to talk is that she understands more and more of what you say. Words such as mommy, daddy, baby, shoe, ball, juice and cookie are probably understood now, or will be soon. She may now also understand that family members or pets have names and will start to recognize them.
- Responds to Simple Instructions: For the first time, your baby may be able to follow simple instructions such as ‘wave bye-bye’, ‘bring me the teddy bear’, ‘stop that’ or ‘kiss me’. This shows that your baby has learned not only separate words and their meanings but can understand a whole idea expressed using multiple words. This is an important milestone in language development and is a great sign that your baby will be talking before you know it.
- Babbles: A baby may also begin what psychologists call ‘jargon’ or ‘pseudo’ conversations. She will babble just as if talking in sentences; imitating an adult’s speech pattern, facial expression and tone of voice. This conversational babble is another sure sign that your baby is getting ready to talk.
1. Babbling with Purpose:
Remember the days of simple “ah” and “oo”? Well, get ready for a symphony of syllables! Around 6 months, your baby’s babbling will evolve, incorporating consonant sounds like “ba,” “da,” and “ma.” They might even string these sounds together, forming mini-sentences like “ba-ba-ba” or “ga-ga-da.” This “conversational babbling” is a sign your baby’s learning about turn-taking and the rhythm of speech.
2. Understanding and Responding:
Your baby’s not just making noise; they’re actively listening and learning. Watch for their eyes lighting up when you say their name. Do they turn their head towards familiar voices? Do they follow simple instructions like “give me the toy”? This growing comprehension is crucial for language development.
3. Gestures Speak Volumes:
Pointing, waving, and reaching are more than just cute baby antics. These gestures are your baby’s way of communicating their needs and desires. They might point at a desired object, wave goodbye, or clap their hands for applause. These non-verbal cues show they’re grasping the concept of communication and building a foundation for spoken language.
4. Mimicry Makes Progress:
Babies are natural-born mimics! They’ll try to imitate your facial expressions, sounds, and even gestures. If you stick out your tongue, they might do the same. If you say “boo,” they might giggle and try to repeat it. This playful imitation is how your baby practices and refines their vocal skills.
5. Mama (or Dada) Magic:
Around 9-12 months, the magic happens! Your baby might utter their first recognizable word, often “mama” or “dada.” This doesn’t always mean they understand the meaning, but it signifies a major milestone in their language journey. Celebrate this achievement, as it’s a testament to their growing vocabulary and communication skills.
Remember: Every baby develops at their own pace. While these signs are a good indication that your little one is on track, don’t worry if they don’t tick all the boxes exactly on schedule. If you have any concerns about your baby’s speech development, talk to your pediatrician for expert advice.
Here are some additional tips to nurture your baby’s language skills:
- Talk, talk, talk! Narrate your day, sing songs, read books, and engage in interactive conversations.
- Respond to their babbles. Acknowledge their attempts to communicate, even if you don’t understand every sound.
- Make reading a daily ritual. Point at pictures, name objects, and ask simple questions about the story.
- Play games and sing songs. Action songs and finger rhymes are excellent for developing rhythm and vocabulary.
- Limit screen time. Excessive screen exposure can hinder language development.
With a loving environment rich in language and interaction, your little one will soon be filling your days with delightful chatter and heartwarming conversations. Enjoy the journey, mama, and cherish every precious sound!