Activity 1.2
Talking
Babies learn to speak by copying the sounds around them. The more you talk to your baby, the more you help them to become a good talker when they’re ready.
Talk in the language that you know best. That way your baby will hear language spoken fluently and you can explain many things to your baby that you might not be able to do as well in English.
Birth
Talking to your baby from day one will help you get to know each other, and gives your baby a great start in life.
As soon as your baby is born they can recognise and turn to the sound of your voice. From birth your baby is listening, so keep talking.
Watch for signals from your baby when you are talking to them. If they look interested and are keeping eye contact, they are saying they want you to keep on talking. If your baby is hungry, tired or uncomfortable, they may not be in the mood for talking, so try later.
Talk to your baby about what you’re doing at different times during the day. Try during:
- Bathtime
- Feeding time
- Nappy changing
or while:
- Out walking
- At the supermarket
- Waiting for the bus
Games are a great way to talk together. Try:
- Counting your baby’s toes
- Playing tickling games – an easy one is Round and Round the Garden (link to separate page)
- Sing to your baby – any song will do. Your baby will love hearing your voice even if you don’t think you sound great.
2 months
Your baby will look at you for longer and make little cooing sounds. To have a conversation with your baby try:
- Looking directly at your baby
- Using a warm, happy voice
- Smiling at your baby when they make sounds
- Copying their sounds
- Using simple words and phrases
- Telling your baby what you think they are saying
- Giving your baby time to respond to your chatter
After four months or so, your baby will realise that their talk has an effect on you. They’ll make more sounds and watch for your reaction.
Nappy changing or bathing is a good time to teach body parts.
Example: Gently rub your baby’s tummy and say “What a nice round tummy!” When you wash their arms or legs, label those body parts too.
When you dress or undress your baby, explain what you are doing.
Example: “First we put in one little arm. Then in goes your other arm.” and “One sock for these tiny toes on one little foot. Now the other sock for your other little foot.”
6 months
Many babies begin to babble around the sixth month. As they grow, your baby’s babbling will begin to sound more like real words. Their “baby talk” has a range of tones similar to adults, such as questions, commands, and descriptions. Keep up your conversations with your baby – you’ll probably find they get more interesting.
The supermarket is a good place to talk to your baby and introduce new words, as they are sitting in the trolley facing you. Try describing some of the items as you put them in the trolley.
As you feed your baby, try telling them the names of each food.
Example: “Mmmm. Here’s your yummy pumpkin!”
Let your baby hear you make non-word sounds. This encourages them to explore their tongue and mouth and builds up the mouth muscles needed for talking. Try:
- Buzzing
- Humming
- Coughing
- Clicking your tongue
- Popping your cheek with your finger
