“Pretend conversations” are, in fact, quite real, and interpersonal and instructive for your curious baby. Replying to babble with meaningless babble (although it may feel a bit silly, at first... it did for me) is helpful, teaching infants that communication and speech are bidirectional and filled with emotions. If you listen closely, you’ll notice her raising and dropping her voice, as if asking a question or making a statement—just as you do! Encourage her by reinforcing recognizable sounds. For example, if you hear a “bah,” introduce (and show her one) “bottle,” “box,” or use the opportunity to sing “baa, baa black sheep…”
When and how should you integrate adult language? Towards three to four months, begin to progressively mix your conversations with it, phasing out most of the baby talk by the end of the first year.
Multiple language households
Early exposure to multiple languages is said to be “good for the brain.” One noted multilingual, Albert Einstein, didn’t start speaking until the age of three (and yes, his parents did see a doctor about it). Commonly, additional languages do temporarily delay language development—for as much as two years! It is suggested that, during baby’s early years, family and other caretakers be consistent with respect to which language they use.
TV policy
Although babysitters are expensive, your TV should never be a replacement! Children require interactive play to foster cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being. The American Academy of Pediatrics says NO to television (and for that matter, any “screen” activity) for children age two or younger. For those older, monitoring with a max of one-to-two hours per day is advised, with a preference for educational productions. Since watching TV can become habit-forming (with evidence linking it to later problems such as obesity, violence, drug, tobacco, and alcohol abuse), a few healthy alternatives include:
- Playing
- Reading
- Activities with family, friends, neighbors
- Learning a hobby, sport, instrument, or an art
Language milestones—to name a few:
One-to-three months
- Smiles at the sound of your voice
- Begins to babble and imitate sounds
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