Babies learn to talk when people talk to them. Babies also learn about their world, and the people in it, when adults talk to them about what is happening. You might be suprised to learn the profound influence your voice has throughout your baby's language development stages.
When you talk to your baby, she gets to know and trust you. Your voice and words become a source of comfort, as well as a source of information. This leads to emotional security and connections that are key to your baby's healthy brain development. In fact, talking to your baby now helps promote the intellectual growth babies need for success later in life when they start school.
Starting from the first time you bring her home, talk out loud to your baby about what you are doing when you are with her and she is awake. Tell her what's happening--"I'm putting on your sweater because we are going to the store. Into the car seat you go!"
Talking eases separation anxiety babies are prone to. Make it a habit to let your baby know when you are leaving her, so her trust in you will continue to grow. Say, "I'm going down to put the laundry in the dryer, and I'll be right back." If you're leaving to go out, help her know what to expect. Say, "I'm going out for a while; Grandma will be here with you while I'm gone. I'll be back before bedtime."
Start saying these things even before you think you need to. Babies understand more than you think!
Judy Goth-Owens is a Parent Educator with the Ingham Intermediate School District and a Child Development instructor at Lansing Community College.