Categories: Parenting

8 Ways to Get Your Baby to Talk

Da-Da. Ma-Ma. Ball. Car. Cracker. Hearing a baby’s first word is truly music to a parent’s ears. Are you trying to get your baby to talk? Are you searching for ways to encourage your little one to say first words? Are you looking for ways to stimulate your child’s vocabulary? Here are a few ways to get your baby to talk.

How to Get Your Baby To Talk Tip #1: Constantly name objects for the baby.

One of the best things you can do is to always be naming things for the baby. While you name them, try to encourage your baby to say the name. For example if you are feeding your baby an apple, you might say, “apple, ahhhh-pulll, say appp-pull, apply, say ahhhhpul.” If you child makes any sound as though they were trying to say “apple” praise them.

How to Get Your Baby To Talk Tip #2: Read often to your baby.

The next tip is to read frequently to your baby. Reading is one of the best ways to promote your child’s vocabulary. It also promotes bonding and provides one-on-one time. You can also take your child to library story time. This will help promote a lifelong love for reading and learning. While you read to your child, be sure to point to objects and say what they are. You might also ask them to point to certain objects, such as the tree, sun, etc.

How to Get Your Baby To Talk Tip #3: Take a Mommy ‘n Me Music Class

Studies have shown that learning music at an early age will promote cognitive growth. If you can afford it, a Mommy ‘n Me music class is a fantastic idea. There are two franchises that might be in your area – try www.kindermusik.com or www.musictogether.com. If you can’t afford it, truthfully, just singing your child and making music (shaking a handmade maraca) will be stimulating as well. You also might sing songs such as “It’s diaper time, it’s diaper changing time” throughout the day. Read “How to Expose Your Child to Music” for more tips and advice.

How to Get Your Baby To Talk Tip #4: Wean from the Pacifier

Experts agree that prolonged use of the pacifier can contribute to speech delay. It is best to try to wean you child from the pacifier by age one. If you were needing tips for how to get your child off of the pacifier, read “How to Get Rid of the Pacifier.” (Click here to read it.)

How to Get Your Baby To Talk Tip #5:Turn off the TV

While occasional TV watching isn’t necessarily harmful, experts agree that children do not learn well from watching TV. Direct interaction is more beneficial and will promote language growth.

How to Get Your Baby To Talk Tip #6: Play With Your Baby

Playing with your baby is just one simple way to try to encourage your little one to say some words. Some ideas are to play ball with your baby. Just roll the ball back and forth (you might have to help your baby) and keep saying “ball”. Even playing peek-a-boo with your baby can stimulate learning to say “boo”. One idea is to hide behind a couch and then pop out and say “peek a boo!”.

How to Get Your Baby To Talk Tip #7: Make Your Baby Laugh

Laughing won’t make your baby talk. However, it can stimulate their brains to promote language skills. If you need tips on how to get your baby to laugh, read “5 Ways to Get Your Baby to Laugh”. Laughing can also promote bonding, relieve stress, and just be fun.

How to Get Your Baby To Talk Tip #8: Find Opportunities for Your Child to Socialize

Socializing and playing with other children might encourage your child to learn new words. One idea is to join a playgroup. Read “How to Find a Playgroup for Your Child” for more details. (Click here to view it.) If you have been thinking of joining a church, Bible school classes can really help with making friends as well. Read “How to Find a Church if You’ve Never Been to Church” for more information. Another idea is to just visit the playground frequently. Your taxes maintain these facilities – take advantage of them!

These are just five ideas to encourage your little one to talk. If you are concerned, consult with your pediatrician. He/she might refer you to a speech therapist who has been specifically trained in helping children learn to talk. Happy Parenting!