Speech and Language Development in Infants
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What can I do to support my baby’s speech and language development?
The early years are very important for building your baby’s brain. Everything your baby sees, touches, tastes, smells or hears helps shape their brain for thinking, feeling, moving and learning. Here are several things you can do at home to support your baby’s speech and language development.
Talk with your baby
When babies hear more words, they understand and say more as toddlers. Talk to your baby in a way that is accurate and simple but still holds their attention. Research has shown us:
- How you talk and engage with your baby can influence how much your baby babbles. Babbling leads to your baby saying words.
- Toddlers in families who speak the most with them know more than twice the number of words compared to toddlers in families who do little talking.
- Toddlers learn more words hearing language in 1-on-1 situations than hearing language in group situations.
Use sign language
Using sign language with you baby does not slow their language development. Research has shown us:
- Before babies can use words, they can make gestures like wave “bye bye.” Children can use sign language as early as 8 months old.
- Children who are exposed to signing can have higher language and IQ (intelligence quotient) scores than kids who are not exposed to signing.
- Using sign language may also help toddlers have better social skills and fewer tantrums.
For more information, read our handout “Using Sign Language with your Child.”
seattlechildrens.org/pdf/PE1906.pdf
Avoid screen time
Media is a major force in children’s lives. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants and children under age 2 avoid TV and other entertainment media including phones, tablets and computers. Research has shown us:
- When babies and toddlers watch TV and videos, it may contribute to delays in their speech and language development. Despite this, there are many videos available for babies and toddlers that falsely claim to increase language and intelligence.
- Children who were exposed to TV from infancy know fewer words than children who don’t watch TV. To promote brain and language development, spend time reading, talking and singing with your baby.
For more tips, read our handout “Screen Time.”
seattlechildrens.org/globalassets/documents/for-patients-andfamilies/ce/CE053-screen-time.pdf
Teach multiple languages
Young children have a keen ability to learn language. Most can easily learn more than 1 language. Research tells us that teaching more than 1 language does not delay a child’s language development. Advantages to learning more than 1 language include:
- Being able to learn new words easily
- Better sound awareness including rhyming and breaking words down into sounds
- Increased ability to determine categories of words
- Improved creative problem-solving skills
- Good listening skills
- Better able to connect with others
For more information, read out handout “Bilingual Language Development.” seattlechildrens.org/pdf/PE3346.pdf
Where can I learn more?
See these resources about early intervention:
- How Does Your Child Hear and Talk? - American Speech-Language Hearing Association
asha.org/public/speech/development/chart - Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences - University of Washington
modules.ilabs.uw.edu/outreach - Parent Help 123
Parenthelp123.org - Talaris Institute
parentingcounts.org - Washington Thrive by Five
lovetalkplay.org - Washington State Help Me Grow Hotline
1-800-322-2588
To Learn More
- Speech and Language Services
206-987-2104 - Ask your child’s healthcare provider
- seattlechildrens.org/patient-education
Free Interpreter Services
- In the hospital, ask your nurse.
- From outside the hospital, call the toll-free Family Interpreting Line, 1-866-583-1527. Tell the interpreter the name or extension you need.
