Here are some ways to stimulate your child's speech and language
development:
- Talk to your infant using "baby talk." The higher
pitch, slower speech, and emphasis placed on certain words draw attention. Most
adults naturally talk with babies this way.
- Talk with your older
infant as you would talk to an adult. Use clear words and
phrases.
- Talk with your baby while you are doing your normal
activities. For example, say, "Let's walk over to your changing table-I want to
get my watch" or "Look out the window at the colorful trees."
- Play
games such as peekaboo.
- Read and sing to your baby, and play music.
You can encourage your baby when he or she
starts to make sounds by:
- Repeating a sound to your baby and adding words that
begin with that sound. For example, if your baby says "ma," repeat it to him or
her and then say "mama."
- Offering your baby new words such as "baby,"
"cat," "dog," "go," "hot," and "cold."
