Babies
Many parents have questions about their baby’s communication development. Here are the answers to the most common questions that parents ask.
Do babies understand when we talk? Do they understand the meaning of words?
Although young babies don’t understand the meaning of your words, they understand a lot by the way that parents touch and hold them, the expression on their face, the tone of their voice and the gestures that they make. Remember to tell parents that it is by talking to them that babies learn words. Parents should surround their baby with words when they feed, diaper and play with him/her.
Do babies recognize their caregivers’ voice?
Babies are able to recognize familiar voices. Babies love to listen to voices and prefer speech to any other sounds.
Do we need to talk to babies even though they are not really talking yet?
Language grows out of interactions. Babies learn to communicate primarily to connect with other people and have their needs met. At first they may not understand the meaning of all the words we say. Babies learn about sounds and words when we talk to them. They learn about the world by hearing you talk. Children need to hear language to learn language. Parents should talk to their baby often while they are feeding, bathing or changing him or her.
Will “baby talk” help a child’s speech and language development?
Adults very naturally change their tone of voice and their style of speech when they talk to babies. They use a higher pitch, simple words and sentences, speak more slowly, pause between sentences, and repeat the same phrases over and over. This kind of “baby talk”, also known as “Motherese”, gets baby’s attention and makes it easier for him/her to understand what the adult is talking about. Adults gradually stop using this special way of talking, as the child gets older and starts communicating more.
On the other hand, using “baby words” – like “a baba’ instead of “a bottle” or “daw-daw” for “dog” do not help the baby learn language. Parents don’t have to call each breed of dog by its name but they should use the proper word even when they are talking to a baby.
When should a baby say his or her first words?
Learning to talk is a process that starts at birth. Babies communicate using eye gaze, facial expressions, different cries, sounds and pointing at objects. The first words usually appear at around 12 months of age.
Will it delay a child’s speech and language development if adults use signs and/or gestures?
“Signs and gestures will not discourage babies and children from learning to talk. Research demonstrates that adding gestures to a baby’s repertoire speeds up the process of learning to talk, stimulates intellectual development, enhances self-esteem, strengthens the bond between parent and infant and it leads to better communication.” (Baby Sign) Specific signs or gestures we use (ex: waving, gesture of drinking, pointing) can be added when you talk to your child. But remember, whether adults use signs or not, this will not delay the baby’s language development.
Is it normal if adults don’t always understand what a baby is telling them?
Communicating with a baby may be difficult sometimes. Parents and other adults may feel frustrated. Babies communicate in many different ways. They send signals through their body language and sounds. Although the baby’s signals may be difficult to understand it is important to respond. Even if we are wrong, we are letting the baby know that his/her communications has an impact on others.
What can adults do to understand what a baby is trying to tell us?
Wait, look and listen. This will help you read the child’s cues and signals. Remember that 93% of our communication is nonverbal! The remaining 7% is verbal (the words used).
What if the baby does not understand me? What can adults do to improve the baby’s comprehension of a message?
While some babies and young children have trouble understanding words, they may be able to understand a message by the intonation you use. Gestures and signs may also help. To help a baby understand better, adults can:
- Simplify – use fewer words.
- Repeat what you have said.
- Add gestures or point to the object/person in question.
- Slow down.
- Use facial expressions and change your intonation.
What if the baby is quiet?
Babies are known to babble and play in different ways with their voice until 12 months (when the first words will start to appear). Hearing problems and/or middle ear infections may be one of many factors that account for baby’s infrequent babbling. Even babies and children under the age of 24 months can be identified and receive help for speech and language difficulties.
Is it ok to use a pacifier? Will it delay a child’s speech?
Babies are born wanting to suck. Some babies even suck their thumb or fingers before they are born. This is a natural behavior. Some authors report that sucking on a pacifier is better than a thumb or finger because it causes fewer problems for future tooth development and controlling the usage of the pacifier is much easier. For more details or information regarding pacifiers, consult the Canadian Pediatric Society.