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Teaching Your Baby to Communicate - Helping Little Ones Express Big Needs
Before your baby says this first word, he is already working hard to communicate with you. From crying and cooing to using hand gestures and facial expressions, babies are constantly observing and trying to connect. As a parent or caregiver, you can support your child’s early communication skills—even before he or she is talking—by tuning into their cues and introducing simple strategies to encourage language development.
Why Early Communication Matters
Research shows that early communication skills are closely tied to long-term language, cognitive and social development. Babies who are encouraged to express themselves, even non-verbally, often experience stronger bonds with caregivers, fewer frustrations and a smoother transition into spoken language.
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), babies typically begin using gestures and sounds to communicate around 6 to 9 months of age. By the time they reach 12 months, they may already understand simple words and follow easy directions (ASHA, 2024).
Ways to Encourage Communication Before Speech
1. Talk to Your Baby Often
Even though your baby can’t talk back yet, speaking to your son or daughter frequently helps them absorb language. Describe what you’re doing, label objects and respond to their babbles and sounds.
Example: “We’re putting on your socks. One sock, two socks. Now your feet are warm!”
2. Use Facial Expressions and Gestures
Babies learn a lot from watching your face and hands. Smile, nod, wave and use other expressive gestures to reinforce what you're saying. Over time, your baby may mimic these actions.
Tip: Start using basic signs like “more,” “milk” or “all done” around 6 months. Baby sign language can help your child express needs and reduce frustration before they develop verbal skills.
3. Practice Turn-Taking
When your baby makes a sound or gesture, pause and respond—then wait for them to "respond" again. This back-and-forth helps teach the rhythm of conversation and the importance of social interaction.
4. Read Together Every Day
Reading to your baby builds listening and attention skills, introduces new words and creates a shared routine. Choose books with bright pictures, simple text and lots of repetition.
According to Zero to Three, babies as young as six months benefit from reading time and the earlier you start, the better the outcomes for language development.
5. Name What They’re Interested In
If your baby is looking at a dog, point and say, “Dog! That’s a dog. It says woof!” Labeling what captures their attention helps link words to objects and actions in a meaningful way.
6. Watch for Cues and Respond Promptly
Crying, pointing, reaching or even eye contact are your baby’s way of “talking” to you. When you respond quickly and consistently, your baby learns that communication is powerful and effective.
When to Seek Support
Each baby develops at his own pace, but if your child isn't making eye contact, doesn’t respond to sounds or isn’t using gestures like pointing or waving by 12 months, it’s a good idea to talk to your provider at Goldsboro Pediatrics or a speech-language pathologist.
Final Thoughts
Supporting your baby’s communication before he or she can speak is one of the best ways to lay the foundation for future language and learning. Through simple daily interactions—talking, reading, gesturing and responding—you’re helping your children build the skills they need to express themselves, connect with others and thrive.
Sources:
ZERO TO THREE
HealthyChildren.Org
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
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