There you go again, using simple words, showing lots of expression and speaking slowly in that sing-song voice.

But don't stop! Watch how your normal baby pays attention when you speak parentese. That's the name given to the kind of talking parents use naturally when they talk with their babies. It gives your baby a head start on the language development stages talking and listening. Even though she doesn't understand what you're saying at first, her brain is building connections for language.

How Do You Do Parentese?

  • Speak slowly.
  • Enunciate, or emphasize all the sounds in the words you use.
  • Play up one word in the sentence: "Do you want to eat?"
  • Repeat words and phrases.
  • Respond to your baby's own sounds and babbles: "Oh, is that right? Say it again!"
  • Chat face to face.
  • Copy the sounds baby makes.