Your baby takes cues from you right from birth, to learn how to talk. It all starts when she hears your voice and experiences sounds of the new world.
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Hence, docs advise that you should talk a lot to your baby to help her learn. A child’s ability to talk or learn the art of speech depends on two major processes — comprehension and expression. Often your child learns to first express herself in an attempt to communicate. This is when you know that she has already started on the process of learning how to talk. “By two years of age, most babies have a large vocabulary and can put words together to express themselves,” says Dr Laila Jasani, a Mumbai-based speech therapist. But still there is a process that unfolds to helps your tot go from single syllabic to double to words spoken prominently.

Remember, to initiate the process of talking, first you should talk to your baby and talk often for the first three months from birth. Just because your baby can’t talk doesn’t mean she can’t listen. “In fact, the baby registers all sounds and voices during those months and that is how she will recognise your voice over others later,” explains Jasani.

SOUNDS ARE WORDS
The first three months will need patience from your side as your baby might not make any sounds. Gradually, she might coo and gurgle and start making noise in an attempt to talk. Encourage her by talking to her. Sing lullabies to her and talk to others while she is around. She won’t understand the conversation but will smile back while she hears different voices and faces. “This is an important aspect while trying to initiate her speech, as you are helping your baby know the importance of talking and conversing while she is trying on her own to pick up words,” says Jasani. As your baby starts to make sounds, talk to her quietly without the noise of TV or radio interfering. This will help her to pay attention to the words more.

After three months, your baby may try to communicate more effectively. Help her by talking, looking straight into her eyes. Smile often while you talk. When your baby babbles, imitate the sound. If your baby tries to make the same sound as you do, repeat the word.

SAYING ‘MAMA, PAPA’
Between six and nine months, your baby will start to babble. “Often, she will make sounds like mama or papa. Though she will not know the meaning then. But reinforcing the words and pointing out to mummy and daddy will help her learn the words and their meaning faster,” says Jasani. The baby would, by now, understand intonation of voices and seem happy on hearing a happy voice, and cry or look unhappy on hearing an angry voice. This is when you mix words with actions. Play games like pat-a-cake or move her hands along while saying a rhyme. Ask questions like, “where is mama or papa?” If she doesn’t respond, point it out for her.

These actions will effectively initiate your baby to pick up words faster and express herself as well.

Between nine and 12 months, your baby will begin to understand simple words.  She will stop to look at you if you say “no-no.”  If someone asks, “Where’s Mummy?” she will look for you.  She will point, make sounds, and use her body to tell you what she wants. She may look up at you and lift her arms up to tell you she wants to be in your lap.  She may hand you a toy to let you know she wants you to play it. “These actions are a way by which your baby can express herself without words. So initiate speech when you comply to her demands,” says Jasani. Ask, “My baby wants to be in my lap?” or “Oh, you want me to play the toy train?” Wait for her to respond. You can also help your baby talk when you show her how to wave “bye-bye.”

Take the communication to the next level as you help her learn about things other than toys and sounds, like you can.....

* Tell her “Show me your nose.”  Then point to your nose.  She will soon point to her nose.  Do this with toes, fingers, ears, eyes, knees and so on.

* Hide a toy while she is not watching and help her find it and share in her delight.

* When she points at or gives you something, talk about the object with her.  “You gave me the book.  Thank you! Do you want me to read it?”