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Your baby is talking to you from day one – before they say their first word. Language development begins at birth, and occurs in stages that are very interesting to watch. Here’s what to expect, and how you can help.
It starts with crying
In the beginning, crying is your baby’s only language. From birth to six weeks, it’s how they tell you they’re hungry, uncomfortable, tired, or just want to get a little closer. After a while, you will start to notice the difference – the cry of hunger sounds different from being very tired – and the response to those things is already the beginning of the conversation.
Hearing and crying (6-24 weeks)
At around 6 weeks, your baby will begin to test their vocabulary. The first sounds of “ah,” “o,” and “uh” aren’t random—your baby is discovering that making the sound depends on you. When you respond, even just by responding, you teach them that communication is a two-way street.
Repayment (from 6 months)
Starting at about 6 months, your baby begins to combine words – “dada,” “mama,” old. It might sound like a word, but at this point he doesn’t know what it means. They know that babbling gets your attention, and that’s the point.
Real words (about 12 months)
Somewhere around their first birthday, real words start to emerge from all the babble. “Mom,” “dad,” “car,” “more”—one word at a time, your child is learning that things have names. Each child moves at his own pace here.
Two-word sentence (about 18 months)
Starting around 18 months, your baby begins to put words together. “Mom car” or “lots of milk” may not be grammatically correct, but the meaning is clear. Their understanding is expanding beyond their language at this point.
All sentences (from 2 years)
From the age of 2, language begins. Your child’s vocabulary develops quickly, sentences become longer, and grammar begins to flow more slowly.
How to support language development
One of the most important things you can do is talk to your child – a lot, and from the beginning. Explain what you are doing, answer their words, read to them, sing to them.
- Talk during meals. Research shows that making eye contact and paying attention during meals improves social interaction.
- Read together. Even books with simple pictures pack words and attention.
- Answer to everything. When your child babbles, back off. When they point, say what they are pointing to.
- Keep it simple. Match your language to theirs – short sentences and clear words.
How food affects
Language development occurs in the brain, and the developing brain needs the right structures. The first two years are a critical time for brain development – adequate protein, energy, and iron all support cognitive development on which language depends.
This is one reason why your child may not be well formed. Our designs are made with carefully selected materials to support your child’s growth.