How to Teach a Baby to Talk

Your baby̵7;s first method of communication is crying. She will cry when she is hungry, soiled or in need of attention. According to a piece on talking milestones on PBS Parents, when you respond to your baby̵7;s cries it begins back-and-forth communication between the two of you. Before you know it those cries will turn into coos, gurgling and eventually babbling. There are many things you can do to transition your baby from baby talk to regular speech.

Things You'll Need

  • Books

Instructions

    • 1

      Talk to your baby often. When you are interacting with your baby label the things you are using. For instance, say "bottle" when you feed him. If you are changing him say "diaper." When you notice your baby is trying to sound out these words, imitate him to reinforce his newly developing language skills.

    • 2

      Watch your baby closely for communication cues. For instance, if your baby wants to be picked up she may hold her arms up toward you. When you pick her up say the word "up." According to a Web MD piece on baby's first words, nonverbal communication is your baby̵7;s first attempts at baby talk. If you respond to nonverbal communication it helps her associate words with actions.

    • 3

      Sing songs to your baby. Babies love music, so it is an easy way to keep their attention. PBS Parents recommends that you sing songs with hand motions to further engage your baby. Songs like ̶0;Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star̶1; and ̶0;The Itsy Bitsy Spider̶1; are ideal. Sing these songs over and over so your baby starts to learn the words. Eventually he will try and sing along with you.

    • 4

      Play with your baby. Among the PBS Parents advice is that you and she play a game where you label body parts. For instance, you can ask your baby to touch her nose. Help guide her hand to her nose and say the word when she touches it. When you are playing with toys with your baby, label the toys. If your baby is holding a doll, say ̶0;doll.̶1;

    • 5

      Read to your baby. It is never to soon to start reading aloud to your baby. Read the same books over and over again so the words become familiar to your baby. As he begins to identify animals, items or people in each book start adding new books to your baby̵7;s library.

    • 6

      Praise your baby̵7;s language efforts. Even if your baby isn̵7;t making much sense, smile and make a fuss over all her attempts at baby talk. If she points to a bottle and says ̶0;Ba̶1; repeat the word, smile and applaud. Say ̶0;Yes, that̵7;s right, Ba.̶1; Positive reinforcement is a useful tool in teaching your child anything.

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