Talk To Your Baby

It doesn't matter that your baby is not yet able to speak English.  Talking to your baby is still very important.  It teaches them how to engage with others, and gives them the idea that speech means something.  Colt and I have a conversation every day.



"ahhhhhh"

Sometimes it's hard to figure out what to say to a baby so here are some ideas:

1.  Tell them all about the day they were born.  Don't spare the details!
2.  Tell them about your wedding day, and how much you and your spouse love each other.  Even if you're not married, and your baby's other parent is a jack-a$$, tell your baby how much you both wanted him or her.  It's important for children to know they were born out of love, and it never hurts to start practicing this tough conversation now.  (I know this because I was single when my older son, Micah was born, and this was exactly my situation...)
3.  Tell them a story from your own childhood.  (Remember that tree fort you built when you were 10?)
4.  Tell them about the city or town you live in
5.  If your house has a special story that goes along with it, tell it to them.
6.  Tell them all about their siblings, if they have any.
7.  Make sounds like "oooooo", "ahhhh", and "eeeee."  Exaggerate the way you pronounce these sounds with your mouth so your baby can see the different ways to makes sounds.



"ooooooo"

 You can read to your baby too if you want, but making eye contact is very important when you're interacting with your baby, so have real conversation much more than you read to them.  You'll be amazed at how much your baby can interact with you.  They will smile, laugh, and swing their arms all over the place!  They will also try to imitate your sounds so make sure you give them a chance to get a word in by pausing or asking them a question.  If you give them an eager look like you're expecting them to say something, they will get the hint that it's their turn.

The most important thing though is to have fun!  You'll see within in the first few moments of a conversation with even a very young baby that it is NOT pointless, and is doing you and your baby a world of good!