Infants have the ability to process and organize information and take an active role in their cognitive development. Your infant's cognitive development occurs in stages and language development includes listening, understanding and knowing the names of people and things around them. You can help your infant's language development by repeating and adding words when talking to him, reading to him and singing to him. Repetition of words and sounds helps your infant understand and learn to use language.
Birth to Three Months Old
From birth to three months old, your baby has the ability to tell you what she needs through different cries. When you speak to your baby she may smile, become quiet or make sounds. Your baby has the ability to recognize your voice and common noises, and if she hears a loud sound, she may become startled. To encourage your baby's language development during this time, talk to your baby while you are changing, dressing and feeding her. Talk about what you are doing and what you see.
Three to Six Months Old
At this stage your baby has the ability to repeat syllables and express his pleasure or displeasure with his voice. Your baby may pay attention to music and toys that make sounds and move his eyes in the direction of sounds. To encourage your baby's language development during this time, encourage him to say "ba," "da" or "ma" and respond to him by maintaining eye contact and using different patterns and emphases in your speech.
Six to Twelve Months Old
At this stage, your baby has the ability to imitate words and say simple words like "dada" or "mama." Your baby can understand simple instructions and will turn and look in the direction of sounds. To encourage your baby's language development during this time, expand on the simple words your baby uses by using them in sentences.
Twelve to Eighteen Months Old
At this stage, your baby has the ability to follow simple directions and gestures. Your infant can recognize names of people and objects and point to these people or objects. To encourage your baby's language development during this time, identify colors and count items. Use gestures to show meaning.
Eighteen to Twenty-Four Months Old
At this stage, your baby can follow simple commands and use simple phrases. Your baby may begin to use pronouns and ask simple questions. To encourage your baby's language development during this time, acknowledge her attempts to communicate and respond back to her.
