TIPS FOR INFANTS

TIPS FOR INFANTS (0-12 MONTHS OLD)

TALK A LOT Talk to your baby from the time they are born during activities like changing, feeding, bathing, and errands. Describe what you are doing.

USE A PLAYFUL VOICE Smile and look into your baby's eyes. Talk with a gentle, playful voice. Exaggerate the sounds of the words. This may feel silly at first, but it is actually very important. Babies pay more attention and learn more when you talk this way.

FOLLOW THEIR INTERESTS Talk about the things your baby looks at or reaches for. Notice which ways of talking or singing seem to interest them the most.

GO BACK AND FORTH When your baby makes a sound, show excitement on your face and in your voice. Respond with words. See how long you can keep the “conversation” going back and forth between the two of you.

USE REAL WORDS Don’t just use “baby talk,” also use real words. The more words your baby hears, the larger their vocabulary will grow. Think of words as nourishment for your baby’s brain!

SING Sing songs to your baby. This is a fun way for them to learn language. You might have certain songs for special times of the day, like bath time or before bedtime. Your baby might especially like songs that repeat words or have rhyming sounds.

POINT TO OBJECTS Point to objects and name them—especially the things that seem to interest your baby.

USE ANY LANGUAGE It doesn’t matter what language you speak with your infant. All languages are equally beneficial.