Why it matters

• The roots of language grow in your baby's brain even before they can talk.

• The more words your child hears, the more words they learn. Words heard in the first 3 years are linked to bigger vocabularies by age 4.

• Strong early language helps your child learn to read, do well in school, and connect with others.

Talk with your baby

• Talk about what you are doing during everyday routines, like feeding, dressing, and bath time.

• Respond to your baby's coos and babbles. This is their first try at talking, and your reply keeps them going.

• Take turns. Pause and look at your baby so they know it is their turn. Babies start this back-and-forth as early as 3 months.

• Name things, point, and ask simple questions, even with a baby.

• Sing songs and play games like peekaboo.

Read together every day

• Start early. Reading together from as young as 4 months helps.

• Read a few minutes a day. Let your child hold the book and turn the pages.

• Talk about the pictures. You do not have to read every word.

• It is okay to read the same book over and over. Children learn through repetition.

• Visit your local library for free books and story time.

A few things to know

• There is a wide range for first words. Some children talk at 9 months, others at 18 months. What matters is that your child keeps moving forward with sounds, gestures, and words.

• You do not need to “teach” your baby with flashcards or classes. Everyday talking, playing, reading, and singing work best.

• Turn off background TV so your child can hear you and focus on play.

When to talk to your doctor

• Your child is not babbling, pointing, or using gestures.

• Your child is not saying words by around 18 months, or loses words they had.

What you can do now

• Say out loud what you are doing as your child watches.

• Read one book together today, and let them lead.

• Sing a song at bath time or bedtime.

Learn more from trusted sources

Zero to Three, 5 Ways to Build Babies' Language

Zero to Three, Read Early and Often