Infant-Directed Speech vs. Adult-Directed Speech

What is Best for my Baby?

Maddie Russell, Paola Apolinario, Kimberly Gomez, Zhi Zheng

About this site

This website will shed some light on what Infant-Directed Speech (IDS) is, and its importance for a child's language development and growth.

What is IDS?

Benefits!

Examples!

Studies!

FAQ!

Take-away!

Father and his baby son opening their mouth saying " ahhh".

Mother reading a picture book with her baby.

Image of baby and father both laying on their stomachs and looking at one another. Top paragraph: Make sure to give your child plenty of time to respond. It's okay if it's non-verbal! Your baby might make a sound, laugh, or even wiggle their arm. Be sure to acknowledge them and reply! You are continuing the conversation with your baby, which builds their language skills. Middle paragraph: "You do? Okay! Let's play with your big, red truck!" (in wavy text to show fluctuation in tone). Bottom paragraph: Why Parentese? When caregivers use parentese, babies pay attention! This helps them to learn. Use parentese any time of the day to interact and engage with your baby.

Page updated

Report abuse