{"id":26111,"date":"2025-01-01T18:00:53","date_gmt":"2025-01-01T18:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/?p=26111"},"modified":"2025-08-26T13:59:41","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T13:59:41","slug":"baby-language-advices","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/blog\/infant\/baby-language-advices\/","title":{"rendered":"Baby language: practical advice"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cooing, babbling\u2026 The <\/span>development of language<\/strong> in your baby is an important step in their learning process. What are the different stages of language development in children? When should you be concerned?<\/span><\/p>\n

Baby language<\/strong>: everything you need to know.<\/span><\/p>\n

The first stages of language in babies<\/b><\/h2>\n

From birth, your <\/span>infant<\/strong> discovers a world of <\/span>sounds<\/strong> and <\/span>rhythms<\/strong> that will gradually shape their <\/span>language learning<\/strong>. Let\u2019s break it down step by step.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cooing: the first interactions<\/span><\/h3>\n

Your baby starts exploring their voice and communicating very early<\/strong>, usually from around 2 months<\/strong>. Even if they can\u2019t speak yet, they can produce sounds<\/strong>, called cooing. In practice, they cry<\/strong> (sometimes loudly), make sounds<\/strong>, and experiment with different intonations<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beyond exploring vocal abilities, your baby uses these coos as early attempts at interaction<\/strong> with you, imitating the sounds they hear around them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Good to know: from birth, your baby is highly attentive to surrounding sounds<\/strong> such as voices or environmental noises (like music, for example). The more familiar these sounds are, the more soothing they become.<\/span><\/p>\n

Babbling: the foundation of language<\/b><\/h3>\n

Around 7 to 10 months, your <\/span>baby may begin to produce repetitive sounds<\/strong> like \u201cbababa\u201d or \u201cmamama.\u201d This is known as babbling<\/strong>. More than just a sound game<\/strong>, it\u2019s also a clear demonstration of their ability to imitate <\/strong><\/span>intonations and articulations<\/strong> they hear around them. Babbling is often described as a stage of <\/strong><\/span>pre-verbal awakening<\/strong>, where your baby practices using their voice to explore the <\/span>phonemes<\/strong> (sounds) of their <\/span>native language<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep in mind that this stage is strongly influenced by your baby\u2019s<\/strong><\/span>sound environment<\/strong>. <\/span>Nursery rhymes<\/strong>, conversations, and <\/span>regular verbal interactions<\/strong> with you play an essential role during this phase. For example, you can nurture their curiosity by responding to their <\/span>coos<\/strong> and engaging in simple dialogues, even if your baby can\u2019t yet respond with words.<\/span><\/p>\n

First words: at what age?<\/b><\/h3>\n

The <\/span>first words<\/strong> usually appear between 12 and 18 months<\/strong>, though every child develops at their own <\/span>pace of language development<\/strong>. Words like \u201cdada\u201d or \u201cmama\u201d are often among the first, as your baby hears them frequently in daily life and they are easier to <\/span>articulate<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, it\u2019s not unusual for some children to take a bit<\/strong><\/span>longer<\/strong> to express themselves verbally. No need to worry\u2014every child develops at their own rhythm. On the other hand, if your baby shows no<\/strong> <\/span>signs of language awakening<\/strong> after 18 months, consider consulting a <\/span>speech therapist<\/strong> to assess a possible <\/span>language delay<\/strong>.<\/b><\/p>\n

How to support language development?<\/b><\/h2>\n

A <\/span>word-rich environment<\/strong> and <\/span>frequent interactions<\/strong> are your best allies to encourage your child\u2019s <\/span>language learning<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stimulating games and activities<\/b><\/h3>\n

To stimulate your baby\u2019s <\/span>language development<\/strong>, <\/span>playful games and activities<\/strong> are excellent tools. The game of \u201c<\/span>peek-a-boo<\/strong>\u201d with objects or people can also help your <\/span>baby understand basic concepts and develop <\/span>oral language<\/strong>. During playtime, you can associate simple words with actions, like <\/span>\u201cpeek-a-boo\u201d<\/span><\/i> or <\/span>\u201cwhere is it?\u201d<\/span><\/i> to encourage <\/span>language awakening<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Introducing <\/span>picture books<\/strong> and <\/span>reading aloud<\/strong> can also support word learning. For example, you can point to pictures and <\/span>name<\/strong> them, then encourage your child to <\/span>imitate<\/strong> and repeat those words or the animal sounds (\u201cthe dog says woof,\u201d \u201cthe cat says meow,\u201d \u201cthe bear says grr,\u201d etc.). <\/span>Later<\/strong>, role-playing with puppets or toys can further stimulate <\/span>language development<\/strong> by encouraging your <\/span>child to tell simple stories.<\/span><\/p>\n

Good to know: <\/span>on May<\/strong>, you can find curated book lists to help develop your child\u2019s language, sorted by themes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nursery rhymes and songs<\/strong> are also great ways to introduce <\/span>new sounds<\/strong> and strengthen <\/span>intonation<\/strong>. Singing regularly with your <\/span>child can encourage them to <\/span>imitate phonemes<\/strong> they hear.<\/span><\/p>\n

The importance of verbal interactions<\/b><\/h3>\n

Having <\/span>regular verbal interactions<\/strong> with your <\/span>baby is very helpful for their <\/span>language learning<\/strong>. Don\u2019t hesitate to talk to them often, even if they can\u2019t yet respond with words. For example, <\/span>describe<\/strong> what you\u2019re doing<\/strong> during daily activities like bath time or meals, using <\/span>simple and clear sentences<\/strong>. This helps your child associate words with their meanings and <\/span>expand their vocabulary<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Later, encourage your child to <\/span>take part in conversations<\/strong> by asking simple questions and <\/span>giving them time<\/strong> to respond<\/strong>, even with <\/span>coos<\/strong> or <\/span>gestures<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Baby<\/p>\n

Language disorders: when to be concerned?<\/b><\/h2>\n

As we\u2019ve seen, every child develops at their own pace, but some signs may suggest consulting a <\/span>speech therapist<\/strong> to evaluate possible <\/span>language disorders<\/strong>. Here are some <\/span>key indicators<\/strong> to watch for:<\/span><\/p>\n