Talking to a baby is one of the most enjoyable pleasures of parenthood. Read below to know more on how to talk to a baby.

How To Talk To A Baby

Talking to a baby, though it is only one sided, serves many purposes. First, for the parents, it is the best way to bond with their child. Second, it is absolutely necessary for the development of the mental and verbal skills of the baby. So, though it may seem silly to an outsider, talking to a baby is an utmost requisite. It is also a very pleasurable exercise for the parents in trying to decipher the untranslatable gibberish that the baby throws up. Since the baby cannot understand anything of what you say, at least initially, it is important that instead of words, you should talk to the baby with soothing sounds and gestures. The baby will understand the meaning of what you are saying only when you link your words with a definite tone and expression. Remember, a baby starts communicating much before it starts talking, and this communication is basically through little gestures and expressions. So, if you want to understand what the baby is trying to say, then you must pay heed to its gestures and expressions. Gradually, as the baby develops more ways to communicate, you won’t have much trouble talking to it. Given below in the article are a few tips to help you talk to your baby.
 
Tips On Talking To A Baby
  • While talking to your baby, always look at its eyes. In this way, you can keep the baby’s attention and at the same time, you can understand how the baby reacts to you. The baby should see your mouth moving and also notice your expressions.
  • Call the baby by its name and talk to it, while holding its hands or legs or simply while cuddling it. The baby should see and feel the warmth that you are providing it with.
  • Use simple words and keep note of the baby’s reaction to different words and sounds. Take special care of your tone and say the words slowly so that the baby can catch it.
  • Use special expressions and gestures to follow your words. The baby will connect the words with the gestures.
  • When doing various tasks around the house, talk to the baby on what you are doing. Also, ask little questions to the baby in a playful manner. This will help the baby make sense of the things around it.
  • Sing or read nursery rhymes to the baby, so that it becomes more familiar with your tone and voice.
  • Watch out for the expressions of the baby. If it smiles, then it means that the baby loves the tone and you can go on.
  • Say some special words and phrases more often. Also, use the same tone when repeating those words again so that the baby can relate to them instantly.
  • Describe all your actions to the baby. For example, if you are going to feed the baby, then say to the baby that you are going to feed it. In time, the baby will associate those words with the task that follows.
  • Talk gibberish as it is easier for the baby to make out the sounds. Repeat the words that the baby utters and encourage the baby to say the words. Always choose to say those things that the baby sees around itself.
  • Even babbling with the baby is an effective way of talking to it. Make sure that you always respond to the baby’s talk and gibberish.

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