Why talk to your baby?

1. Talking to your baby will help him to talk
Babies learn to talk by listening to voices and working out the sounds that make up words, so the more you talk to your baby the greater chance your baby has of picking up words and learning to speak. Not surprisingly, your child will want to talk more if you show an interest in what he says, so always try to listen and respond when your child says something - even if it's just a string of noises. Those early babbles are your child's first attempts at words.

2. Talking to your baby will help her to learn
Language is the key to learning. Research has shown that children's development of language is a crucial first step in their ability to think and learn, and has a significant impact on their overall educational experience.

3. Most brain development occurs between birth and the age of two
As a baby absorbs new sights, textures, scents and sounds, the connections in her brain that make learning possible multiply and become stronger. But if a baby does not use these connections, or does not use them enough, the connections are lost forever. The best way to stimulate and strengthen your baby's brain is to talk to her more.

4. Talking to your baby will help him feel safe, secure and loved
Your baby will love hearing your voice and will respond to the warmth and love reflected in your words as you talk to him. Children who are able to understand others and express their thoughts and feelings are more likely to have good relationships with other people and strong self-esteem.

6. Talking to your baby will help you to bond with your child
Any parent or carer who takes the time to develop their child's language will know how rewarding this can be, both immediately, in the sense that the developing relationship is phenomenally enjoyable for parent and child alike, and in the long term, because it lays a wonderful foundation for future learning.

7. Literacy begins with speaking and listening
"Reading and writing", said educationist James Britton, "float on a sea of talk." Good talkers and listeners are more likely to become good readers and writers.

(Based on material from How to Talk To Your Baby, Dorothy P. Dougherty, Avery, 1999)