Things to Teach Your Baby

Babies are born without knowledge of mandatory skills such as speaking and communication. Teaching a baby from a very early age is one way to ensure that these skills develop in an appropriate manner. It takes patience, encouragement and understanding to teach a baby these primary skills.

  1. Sounds

    • Children learn to speak by first learning how to reproduce sounds. Babies don't have the coordination to form words at an early age, but they can practice making sounds early on. Begin by teaching vowel sounds as they are the easiest to perform. As the child develops his ability to form sounds and make noises, practice saying and singing to him on a regular basis so he equates human language with a form of communication. Keep in mind that babies cry for whatever they need because they are unable to vocalize such needs. Learning to speak is an essential element in a baby's overall development.

    Proper Words

    • Though the lure of talking baby talk to a child is present, it's more conducive to the child's continual development to refrain from using improper words for items. Use proper names and words when talking to babies and small children so they become familiar with and learn the correct names of people, places and things. For example, when you ask a baby if she wants a glass of water, refer to it simply as a glass of water. Don't use terms such as '"wawa" or "baba." Using baby talk and made-up words on occasion is fine, as long as proper words are used as well.

    Imitation

    • Babies learn and develop through constant interaction and mimic those around them. One way to teach a baby how to act and react is through role playing. For example, to encourage hand-eye coordination, touch your finger to your nose. Then take the baby's hand and repeat the same motions with his own hand until he learns to make the movement on his own. This same technique can be used to teach children how to clap hands, wave, smile, blow kisses and play simple games such as peek-a-boo.

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