Parents of infants and toddlers often talk to their children in “baby talk”.  Instead of making senseless sounds, experts believe that you should speak actual words to your baby when talking to him or her. One of the biggest mistakes parents make is underestimating their child’s capacity to understand and process language. In reality, babies actually listen when we talk to them, and what we say could have some very important bearing later on in their lives.

Recent research shows that speaking real words when talking to a child plays an important role in the development of his or her communication and comprehension skills.

Published research in the journal Child Development conducted at Northwestern University in Illinois, studied the effect of words on babies. Children between the ages of 2 and 4 months were shown a series of pictures of fish. Half of them were told words when the pictures were shown while the other half heard beeps.

The difference between the effects of words and beeps was remarkable.  The researchers found out that words can help children form categories in their mind. More specifically, the infants who were told words were able to identify the fish based on what they heard. Those who heard beeps were not able to do so.

The researchers hypothesized that babies gain the ability to become more aware of their surroundings when exposed to actual human words. This enables them to become familiar with objects and to categorize them. Even though children will learn new words daily, the parents’ effort to talk to them while identifying objects will help them recognize what the different words mean, thereby enhancing their communication skills.

There are many things you can do right now to help your baby develop language skills.  Use short sentences and simple words.  At this point babies can only process simple information.  When you speak, talk in a happy sounding voice using bold facial expressions and gestures. You may feel silly, but try to make it a memorable experience and one that your baby will associate with learning to speak.  Talk about what you are doing.  If you are changing her diaper, describe the process and talk about the diaper itself (i.e. it’s white, soft).  Use nouns to describe things.  For example, ask “where is your bottle?” rather than “where is it?”  Always call baby by her name, as she is too young to understand the concept of pronouns, such as “me” and “you.”  Finally, utilize pictures to intrigue your baby.  Books and photos of family are great tools to help you and your baby engage in conversation!

So the next time you speak to your baby, forget the usual “coochie-coochie-coo.”   Keep words real and eventually, your child will begin saying them too. Additionally, if you want to protect your child’s physical and mental development, it would be wise to follow the basic rules of natural cleaning and organic cleaning. Baby safe cleaning products and earth friendly cleaning products like those from BabyGanics do not contain dangerous chemicals and toxins which may affect your child’s development. You can rest assured that your home is both clean and healthy!

BabyGanics, a leading maker of baby safe natural cleaners and environmentally friendly cleaning products, promotes non toxic cleaning so that parents can keep their homes clean and safe for their kids, pets and the entire family. Non toxic cleaners and eco friendly cleaners or eco cleaning products are a great alternative for people who wish to live a sustainable, green lifestyle.