7 Ways to Support Baby's Language Development

What are ways to support my baby’s language development?

1. Watch their gestures and listen to their sounds
2. Read to them
3. Enjoy music together
4. Tell stories
5. Follow your child's lead
6. Never criticize your child’s speech
7. Use television, tablets, and other gadgets sparingly

Talking to and understanding others are crucial skills that children need, even early on in life. Being able to communicate will help them make friends, learn new information, and enjoy life to the fullest. In this area, you will be your child’s first and more important teacher as their language development starts as early as their first year. But how can you help your baby along?

In this article, we cover different ways to support your baby’s language development. Read on to see what steps you need to take in their early childhood to help them nurture such an important skill! 

Watch their gestures and listen to their sounds

When your baby is young, they begin to understand words much quicker than they learn how to talk. You’d be surprised that your 1-year-old can understand a lot more words than they can actually say.

This is why babies are big on using gestures to communicate. You need to pay attention to that nonverbal communication to encourage their eventual verbal development.

So, when your baby waves at you, respond with the same gesture and say “hello,” or “bye-bye!” When they point at something, try naming the item and asking them if they want it. Playing games with gestures can also help them connect the words with the actions. 

These responses not only show your baby that their communications mean something, but it also helps them learn the meaning behind each word and gesture.

Read to them

It's never too early for children to be introduced to books. As early as their first year, you could take the time to cuddle together and settle in with a book. Remember to take this activity slowly to help them absorb all the colors, pictures, and words they’re seeing.

If they’re quite young, you could start with simple picture and texture books to start with the basics. If they’re beginning to speak, then encourage your baby to take an active role during reading. Let them turn the pages and point at things they like. You can also try asking them questions about what they’re seeing to help practice their speaking skills.

Enjoy music together

Babies love music. They just can’t help but dance and sing when a tune comes on. So, take this opportunity to enjoy cheerful and fun music with your child to teach them about the rhythm of language. 

Old children’s songs like "Old McDonald Had a Farm," can teach them about animals. Or, you can use musical toys such as our Baby Bliss My First Piano to create some tunes with your baby. Other toys, like this Educational Musical Elephant from Funtastic Stuff, are a fun and interactive way to get them engaged with learning new words and sounds.

Tell stories

Babies love to listen to you. They soak up everything you say and do like a sponge! Take advantage of that by telling them stories often. You could make up elaborate imaginary stories with interesting characters, adventure, and a happy ending. If you do so, make sure that it is simple and suits their interests so that they can follow your story. 

Or, if you’re not quite up to making daily sagas, you can simply narrate what you’re doing as you go through your daily routine. Talk about how you’re bathing them, preparing their food, or helping them pack away their toys. Doing this will help your baby connect words with actions, and can also help them understand new words. 

Follow your child's lead

Your child will always be curious about new things and will develop new interests as they grow up. Always pay attention to what has your baby’s attention, and follow their lead. If they’re focused on something like a new toy, then tell them all about that new toy. Even small things like seeing something out the car window can be a learning opportunity for them! 

This is also important for the other tips we mentioned previously. For example, if they’re interested in a particular picture in their book, keep talking about it and asking them questions. If they have a favorite song, then you could keep singing it with them. Take every opportunity to converse with your baby and interact with them through words. 

Never criticize your child’s speech

As your baby continues to expand their vocabulary, they will also create their own terms and speech patterns. They might call their bottle “ba ba,” or use two-word sentences to ask for things. 

Even so, never criticize how your baby decides to talk. Instead, repeat their sentences to them with the right words, pronunciation, and grammar. And, always give your child positive feedback for their efforts. Doing this will gently guide them to proper speech patterns and also encourage them to continue communicating their thoughts, needs, and requests.

Use television, tablets, and other gadgets sparingly

Lastly, we strongly recommend limiting their TV time and gadget use in their earlier years. Studies show that kids younger than two should use these gadgets at all, while those older than two should not have more than two hours of TV time.

While educational children’s shows can be helpful, babies need more one-on-one time with you! This is because their growing brains are wired towards social interaction, the most important factor for every development area, especially for language.

Key Takeaway

In their first few years, your baby’s language skills will grow exponentially. This is a great time to be an active part of your baby’s development. In fact, it’s proven to be the most crucial part of their learning experience. Use our guide on all the ways to support your baby’s language development to help them build strong language skills as early as their first year!

Interested in learning more about how you can help your child grow up well? Take a look at Funtastic Stuff’s blog. We have all the tips and tricks young parents need! Or, take a look at our store to find the best developmental toys for your children.