Jen Meyers and Jamie Loehr, M.D., authors of Raising Your Child, say it is never too early to start working on your baby's language development. Try these easy activities to encourage Baby's speech comprehension.
Talk to your baby! And look at her when you are talking to her; let her see your face. Keep up a running conversation whenever you change her diaper or feed her, whenever you take her shopping or out for a walk in the woods. Talk to her just like you would talk to an adult, telling her about your plans, showing her a bird's nest, and asking her questions. She will learn about the inflections and intonations of conversation and over time will respond to you in kind.
Sing to your baby—whatever songs you like. It can be a lullaby, kids' song, show tune, folk song, or rock 'n' roll. If you sing the same song every time you comfort your upset baby she'll start to recognize it and be soothed when she hears it. This can be useful in the car when you can't physically comfort her, but you can sing your song to help her relax and calm down.
Read books to your baby. Your newborn will love listening to your voice. Choose picture books with bright colors and contrasting patterns. She'll enjoy looking at the pictures as she grows.
Raising Your Child: The Complete Illustrated Guide is an information-packed guide that leads parents through the ever-changing maze of new behaviors, developments, and challenges present in a child's first six years. It is filled with essential information, expert advice, practical solutions, and key choices to ensure a child's healthy development for their first six years—and set them up for success in later developmental stages. In addition to understanding their child's stage of development, readers are given parenting techniques and activities they can use with their child to maximize physical, emotional, intellectual, and behavioral development at every age and stage.
