Babies first words?

Question

What are some creative ways to help my 13 month old start word development? She says the standard ma-ma, da-da, ba-ba and ga-ga.

This is our first baby and we don't know when real words start.

She/we love to read books and watch the new Baby Einstein "First Words" dvd but I need to know if reading daily is enough. We don't use baby talk to speak to our child and we do speak in whole sentences and encourage her to "guide" us (pointing, grunting, reaching) to express what she wants.

Additionally, in your opinion, are playdates really good environments for word development?

Thanks!

To elaborate, I thought this was clear to begin with...

We DON'T use baby talk with our child to speak to her and we DO use clear sentences.

Answer 1

Yes, play dates are great for word development. You already know what your child wants/needs without your baby asking/telling but another child will encourage to verbalize those things. Another good tip that you may already use is talk to the baby about everything. When you go to the store tell her what you're buying, what you're going to do with it. Talk to her about the most ridiculous things. ANYTHING. Both of my children started speaking in full sentences at a young age because of this advice. It works. It's nice to see a parent who cares about their child's development. As long as you care, you're already doing a good job.

Answer 2

One day my son saw a dog and called it a cow at 15 months old LOL! My daughter was a few days short of 12 months when she came out with, ball, when no one was getting her what she wanted. She was in a scooter and got stuck on the table leg. Just keep talking to her. Show her things and tell her what they are. When she's ready to talk she'll let you know.

I think playdates are just playdates unless the other child(ren) are talking.

Answer 3

Sign language is a great way to teach children how to get what they want before they can form the words themselves. Teach them simple things (more, milk, juice, please, food, baby) and encourage any sound with them, but always repeat the right word with the right sign. This will get them to associate the two and eventually they will say the word, too.

I don't think, at thirteen months, playdates will amount to much in the word development area. Social adaptation, maybe.

Answer 4

First off, playdates don't help in word development. Being around other children her age she will likely pick up their bad habits of calling things the wrong name. If one of the children calls her toy something that isn't the real name of it or isn't a word at all your daughter could pick that up as well. She needs to be in an environment where she can pick up her own language and learn the proper names of things.

Talk to her in clear and simple phrases. Reading books is a great way to help them in their verbal skills. Try pointing to an object in the picture and say "What's that?" and see if she can answer. Give her a few seconds and if she can't then point to it and clearly say the name of the object. If she points to something tell her the name of it. If she points to the tree say "tree" very clearly. Ask her to repeat it as well. Baby Einstein isn't a good idea because doctors say not to let children watch tv until they are 2 yrs old. Set a few toys in front of her and point to them and tell her the names of them as well. Learning simple names of things will help her to build phrases and soon sentences. Good luck and God bless.

Answer 5

You seem to be doing everything right!!! I have a 12 month old myself and he seems to be saying alot of words!!1 Bye-bye, thank you, ma-ma, da-da, bubba, uh-oh and his all time favorite word is hey. She will pick up on new words. Some kids start talking later!!! Continue to read to her and talk to her like a big girl and she will be just fine!!! Great job so far!!! Good luck!!!

Answer 6

You are on a great track. My little boy is 19 months, and we are experiencing the same things. We have found that the best things to repeat over and over to him are single syllable words. He says, cat, dog, juice, shoes, and all of those words he completely understands and says very clearly. Remember- baby steps.

Answer 7

You are doing everything right! Reading daily is absolutely enough, but everything else is gravy (and who doesn't want the gravy?) Keep in mind that every child develops at different rates.

Play dates are excellent for your child and YOU. I'd encourage you to find one.

Happy parenting

Answer 8

playdates are excellent environments. they help children grow and expand their minds

Answer 9

What did he say first ma-ma, da-da, ba-ba or ga-ga.

Answer 10

playdates could encourage foul language