Your newborn’s first word, a moment that you’ll never forget, and a sign that your little one is growing and developing
As a new parent, one of the most exciting milestones you will experience is when your newborn baby says their first word. It’s a moment that you’ll never forget, and it’s a sign that your little one is growing and developing. But when can you expect your baby to say their first word? And what can you do to encourage them to talk? Here are some tips on when to expect your newborn to say their first word and how to support them in the process, with a little bit of humor thrown in:
Also read tips to help your baby develop.
Newborn’s first word
- Don’t expect too much too soon: Your newborn baby is not going to start talking right away, so don’t get your hopes up. In fact, most babies don’t say their first word until they are between 12 and 18 months old. So, don’t be disappointed if your baby doesn’t start talking right away.
- Talk to your baby: Even though your baby may not be able to respond to you, they are still listening. Talk to your baby throughout the day, using simple words and phrases. This will help to expose them to the sounds of language, which will be important when they start to talk.
- Read to your baby: Reading to your baby is a great way to expose them to new words and sounds. Choose books with simple pictures and clear, bold print. And don’t be afraid to use silly voices and make up your own story.
- Listen to music: Music can be a great way to expose your baby to new sounds and rhythms. Sing to your baby and play music for them. Just make sure not to play any death metal, it’s probably not the best for the little ears.
Other ways to help with your newborn’s first word
- Make silly faces: Making silly faces and noises is a great way to get your baby to start making sounds themselves. Stick out your tongue, wiggle your ears, and make silly noises. Just don’t do it too much, you don’t want to scare the baby.
- Play with your baby: Play with your baby as much as possible. Use toys that make noise, like rattles and squeeze toys. And don’t be afraid to use your own voice to make silly noises.
- Be patient: Remember that your baby will develop at their own pace. Don’t compare your baby to other babies or get frustrated if they don’t say their first word as quickly as you expect. Every baby is different and will reach milestones at their own time.
- Repeat, repeat, repeat: Repetition is key when it comes to learning language. Repeat words and phrases to your baby as often as possible. You might feel like you’re talking to a wall, but trust me, they’re listening.
- Make a word jar: Start a word jar, where you write down every word your baby says. This way, you can keep track of their language development and look back on the words they’ve learned. Just make sure not to lose the jar, otherwise, you’ll have to start all over again.
- Have fun: Remember that learning to talk is a fun and exciting process for your baby. So, have fun with it! Be silly, be playful, and enjoy the journey.
- Don’t pressure them: It’s important to remember that every baby is different, some may start speaking sooner than others, and that’s okay. Don’t pressure them to say their first word, it will come naturally.
- Be excited: Lastly, be excited for when your baby says their first word! It’s a big milestone for them and for you as parents. Cherish the moment and take plenty of pictures and videos. It’s a moment you’ll never forget.
Also see: The Mayo Clinic has a timeline for baby development milestones.
