What to expect

Most babies still can’t say words at this age, but all the words they hear are important in growing those parts of the brain that they will use later to start saying words.

Parenting tips

Whenever your baby points to something, name it for them. Some babies love this game and will start pointing to lots of things for you to name.

Whenever you can, describe what you and your baby are doing together. For example, “I’m filling the bathtub!” “I’m getting the water just right.” “I’m putting your ducky in it.”

Without words your baby is getting you to talk about what they are interested in. This helps them learn language. What a smart baby!

Talking without words

Before babies even say words, they will use their bodies to let you know what they want or need.

For example, your baby may raise their arms toward you, to indicate they want you to pick them up. They may point at their bottle and make a noise, telling you they are hungry.

When your baby does this, name what they are doing. “You want me to pick you up” or “You are hungry and want your bottle.”
You will quickly learn to understand what your baby wants or needs.

What can you do?

Describe

Describe whatever you and baby are doing. For example, when you are dressing your baby describe how you are putting their shirt over their head.

Describe your own actions as baby is watching you. “Mommy is picking up the toys off the floor, so they won’t get stepped on and broken.”

Label

Label things at home and on outings. For example, when you are grocery shopping with baby point out and talk about the different foods. Tell baby what foods you are putting in your cart. “We are getting four yellow bananas.”

Expand

Expand on things by adding more information. For example, if the two of you see a dog you might say, “See the dog. That’s a big brown dog. She is wagging her tail.”

Tell me and show me

To help your baby learn what you are saying use your hands and arms. For example, wave when you say goodbye or hold out your hands when you ask if baby wants to be picked up. Sometimes they will wave back before they are even able to say “bye-bye”

Games to play with baby

Peek-a-boo

Cover your face with your hands. Ask, “Where’s mama or dada?” Then uncover your face and say “peek-a-boo.” Gently cover their face with their hands and ask, “Where is baby?” Say “peek-a-boo” as you uncover their face.

So Big

Say, “How big is baby?” Then gently lift baby’s arms up and say excitedly “So Big!” In a few months your baby will raise their arms all by themselves when you ask, “How big is baby?”