As infants grow, they develop speech that helps them communicate with the rest of the world. Parents can help by talking and playing with their baby. Speech development is gradual and begins as soon as a baby is born. Even before he says his first word, an infant learns to understand speech and to use his own voice to communicate.
Identification
From the time your baby is born until he is 12 months old, he is described as an infant, according to Medline Plus. During his first year of life, you will notice the early beginnings of speech, including his understanding of words and phrases as well as the first sounds and words he makes. Before he uses any words himself, your infant will listen to and interact with you as he becomes familiar with your speech. His first six months are among the most important in his development.
Time Frame
During the first two months of life, according to I CAN, a charity organization devoted to children's communication, your infant will be startled by loud noises. She will turn her head to you and she may quiet down when she hears your voice or gentle sounds, such as the murmur of a washing machine.
She will use noises herself to communicate, crying to be fed or to tell you that she is uncomfortable, and she will coo, gurgle, make eye contact with you, copy facial expressions and start to smile.
From three to six months, she will laugh, make vowel sounds, such as "ooh" and "ah" and use these sounds to get your attention. From six months she may start "babbling" with "ba-ba," noises and she will understand when you say "no." She will stop and listen when you say her name and wave and point.
At about 12 months, she is likely to produce a first word, often "dada" or "mama."
Considerations
This timeline of stages for infants' speech development is only a guide. Some infants are slower than others to develop speech. There is no need to worry if he does not produce that first word as early as another child. It is, though, very important that he shows an interest in sounds, and in your voice, from birth. If he is not startled by loud noises, or if he does not turn to familiar sounds, he may not be hearing them. It's important to tell your health care provider if you think your infant is not hearing, or if he does not make eye-contact with you.
Expert Insight
Sleep is important to help your infant learn speech. She learns at a speed regulated by a mix of her genes and the conditions around her. She needs to be allowed to develop at her own pace. She will need to sleep as much as 20 hours a day in her first two months. When she is awake and alert, she will enjoy interacting with you, but when she tires she needs a peaceful environment. Sleep increases brainpower, according to WebMD.You will soon learn to notice when your infant is becoming tired and over-stimulated.
Benefits
You are the best person to help your infant to develop speech by listening carefully and enjoying talking to him. When he cries, respond to his needs so he knows his communication attempts are successful. Play peek-a-boo games, sing rhymes, make eye-contact with him, babble nonsense with him, read to him and spend time everyday with no TV or background noise. Above all, enjoy communicating with your infant and he will enjoy it, too.
