It is important to keep in mind before we speak in front of our babies, as what we speak is what they learn. Even if your baby is a few weeks or months old, never have stressful conversations or talk loudly in front of your baby.

When your baby talks you should listen consciously and respond to the babbles, cooing and syllables your baby voices. It’s crucial to have a conversation with your baby, speak with love. Let your baby lead. Do interrupt in between while your baby is cooing or babbling. Let your baby finish. You may respond to your baby’s babbles. You can nurture conversations with your baby by showing pictures, toys and anything interesting.

It is important to understand that each baby develops at its own pace whether its language development or motor skills. Therefore, if your baby is a late speaker do not panic. Focus on nurturing your baby’s language skills by playing interactive Born Smart games.

If you are concerned you may meet with your baby’s doctor. Do not push your baby to speak. Forcing a baby or a child to speak or asking the same questions till the baby responds is not encouraged as it may hamper brain development.

Here is a basic language milestone in sync with the age group

• Third Month End
  Your baby may:
  • May make “cooing” sounds
  • May smile when a familiar face appears
  • May startle when there is loud noise or loud speech
  • May have different types of cries for hungry, sleep or being uncomfortable
  • May be familiar with known voices heard often
• Six month end
  Your baby may:
  • May use its voice to express emotions of joy, discomfort etc
  • May make gurgling sounds or babbles when alone or while playing with company
  • May moves eyes to hear voices in different directions
  • May respond to voice intonations
  • May listen to music with attention or notice the music
• Twelve month end
  Your baby may
  • May say words such as “mama”, “ma”, “papa”, “pa”, “dada”
  • May copy or imitate words said by others
  • May understand simple instructions or words
  • May respond to “no”
  • May turn to look at directions where there is noise or sound
• Eighteen month end
  Your baby may
  • May speak eight to ten words
  • Follow simple instructions and gestures
  • May know names of everyday familiar items or people
• By the end of 24 months
  Your baby may
  • May speak about 50 words
  • May say two words such as “Go park”
  • May follow simple commands
  • To nurture language development sing with your baby, listen to music, read a book for your baby and talk to your baby.