We understand and relate very well to the urge of wanting to get those first words (and so many more) out of your baby as soon as possible. Everyone around you is telling you that it will happen with time, but patience has never been so impossible. Of course, you cannot get your baby miraculously reciting poems in a day, but you try a few things that will get them started sooner and might help out the reluctant ones a little bit.

You can help your baby’s communication skills develop right from the time they are born. Your baby can listen to you from the time that they’re in your uterus and once they’re out, they’ll start actively responding. Depending on how old your baby is, you can try the following techniques to get them talking:

0-3 Months

You can see that your infant is actively listening to you and trying to imitate your speech in response. That is why they are making those adorable cooing sounds. You can enhance their speech and communication skills by entertaining them. Some ways to do this is by singing to them and arranging for quiet time without any stimuli when they can babble away. Also, talk a lot about your baby.

6-9 Months

Now you can be sure they are paying attention when you talk because they start maintaining eye contact. Encourage it. Look at them and talk to them and hold them close when you do so. Smile when you do this and see if they respond. Whatever little sounds your baby makes, imitate them so that they get an idea of what a conversation is. Encourage imitation and repeat the words they are trying to copy.

9-12 Months

From listening, your baby has now advanced to basic comprehension. They understand simple words. For instance, they will know that you are “mommy”. Your baby begins to use their body to tell you what they want by pointing and making small sounds. You can teach them how to wave hi and bye. Around now they will hold their hands up to be lifted.

12-15 Months

Now is when your baby starts talking by using words. Not complex words, and sometimes these will be just made-up words that repeat the same syllables (think mama, papa). Studies show that most babies can speak one or two words and understand over 25 of them at this age.

You can help them learn more small words by pointing and labeling objects like toys and cups. Clap and cheer when they learn a word. Use picture books to identify objects and enhance their speech by slowly introducing more words each time based on what they say. Include their favorite toys in conversations and play by talking to them as well.

15-18 Months

Your baby now can point and talk, and call a cup a cup or ask for a toy from the cupboard. Encourage this skill by engaging them in playful quizzes and tasks such as ‘show me the dog’ or ‘point to nose’. Play little games of hiding and seeking and express emotions openly so they learn the same.

18 Months +

Slowly introduce them to nursery rhymes and use a lot of visual cues to help them with their speech. Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Encourage them to interact with other members of their family and arrange for play dates with other young children so they learn to socialize and communicate with everyone.

With age, your child’s speech will develop, and the lessons they learn during school and from you will help as well. Keep them busy with productive activities and you will see good results.