Encouraging Speech: How to Get Your Baby to Say Their First Words

 

Every parent is waiting for that magical moment when their baby says "Mama" or "Dada." While every child develops at their own pace, you are actually their first and best speech therapist.

You don't need fancy educational DVDs. In fact, research shows babies learn language best from human interaction, not screens.

3 Habits to Build Vocabulary

  1. Narrate Your Day: Be a "sportscaster" for your life.

    • Say: "I am opening the fridge. I am taking out the milk. The milk is cold."

    • It feels silly, but you are flooding their brain with words and context.

  2. The "Pause" Method: When you ask a question, wait.

    • Say, "Do you want the ball?" ... [Wait 5-10 seconds] ... "Yes, you want the ball!"

    • Babies need time to process. That silence gives them a chance to try to make a sound.

  3. Read the Pictures, Not the Words:

    • You don't have to read the text in a book perfectly. Point to the images. "Look, a cow! The cow says, "Moo." This builds associations better than just reading a complex story they don't understand yet.

When to Worry?

If your child isn't babbling (making "ba-ba" or "da-da" sounds) by 12 months or isn't using gestures like pointing or waving bye-bye, bring it up at your 1-year checkup. Early intervention is key!

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