Playtime is more than just fun—it's a powerful way to boost your baby’s language abilities. An easy ways you can engage with speech and language skills top of mind is narrating. Describe what your baby is doing as they play. For example, "You're grasping the rattle, and the bell inside is making a ringing sound!" They may love hearing you talk, and in doing so, you’re exposing them to new vocabulary.
The caveat: pay attention to your baby’s cues. Quiet time is important for them too, and sometimes too much narration can interrupt their focus.
Label objects:Show your baby simple toys or objects and name them as you play. For example, "Here's a ball. Can you hold it?"
Offer descriptive terms:Describe the colors, shapes, and textures, such as “This page is soft.” This can also be done outdoors and on errands. “The sun is bright,” or “We found the yellow bananas!”
Interactive mirror play:Place a baby-safe mirror in front of your baby during tummy time. Encourage them to babble and make sounds while looking at their reflection. Respond to their vocalizations with excitement and mimic their sounds.
For a steady stream of speech and language tips, check out these experts online who delve in more!