Your baby is growing fast, and his vocabulary is expanding too! Language learning is fun and fascinating for both of you, so enjoy helping him learn to express himself. Your baby's understanding of the sounds and noises he's trying out will become increasingly sophisticated. He will gradually start to understand more familiar words, such as 'daddy' and what 'no' means – an important step! At this stage, your baby's understanding of words and language is far in advance of his spoken language, but he may begin babbling to you (and himself in the mirror) as though he's having a proper conversation. He will try out harder-to-say consonants such as 'k' and 'g' as part of his growing repertoire. His non-verbal skills will be helping him communicate – such as holding out his hand when he wants you to give him something, pushing you away if he doesn't want you, and waving 'bye bye' to visitors.
If your baby is making babbling or cooing
sounds you should repeat back to them so
your baby is learning about giving and taking
turns when having a conversation
Babies all learn and develop at different rates, and there is a wide range of language development between 6-9 months. Your baby may continue to gurgle merrily or may be forming distinct words. You may find early talkers beginning to say at least one short word with meaning, even if it's not an exact match for the 'real' word – for example, 'do do' for dog.
Whatever speed your baby learns to talk at, he'll understand a much wider range of language and the words that you use to talk to him all the time, such as 'tea-time', 'bath-time' and 'bed'. As you're his main teacher, it's important to speak clearly and slowly, and to explain what you're doing and why as you do it, like taking off his coat, for example. Praise him when he tries out a new word and watch him when you speak familiar names such as 'daddy' or his brother or sister's name in conversation.
There is a lot you can do to encourage early communication. Take advantage of time when he is awake to sit quietly with him. Turn off the radio and television, make a lot of eye contact, smile at him, sing and talk softly and he will learn to imitate you.
When he is about 4 months old, start to show him picture books, reading to your baby early will help with them developing their language skills. As you are reading to them point to simple objects such as chair, book, girl. He or she will love hearing your voice and over time will pick up language skills quicker and develop a love of books. Start bedtime stories from around 6 months (or before) – even if only short and sweet your baby will love the attention.
Babies like to be talked to by parents and other family members in a sing-song high pitched voice called 'parentese'. This way of talking to babies comes naturally to most people and really encourages language development. Talking to your baby throughout the day telling him about what you are doing will help your baby associate these sounds or language with everyday objects and activities.
Singing nursery rhymes and children songs encourages them to recognise different tones of your voice. There are many toddler song CDs on the market to help you.
Holding objects to your baby for e.g. cup, small music instruments for this age group e.g. rattles with bells etc…will help them learn the sounds of objects.
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