13 Best Baby Girls' Novelty Bodysuits

Bestselling Baby Girls' Novelty Bodysuits in 2023

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Language Development in Babies: How Much Does Your Baby Really Understand?

Babies can be a mystery because they can't tell us what they're thinking or feeling. But your baby understands far more of what you're saying than you're likely to give him or her credit for. Here's an overview of what your baby understands at each age.

Ages 0-3 Months
Your baby may seem pretty unaware of the world, and it's true that she can't understand words or language at this age. However, she's already beginning to pay attention to speech. Newborns prefer the voices of familiar caregivers to strangers and seem to understand that language is used to communicate. Newborns can also begin to detect familiar sounds and prefer listening to tapes of their native language than a foreign language. Though your baby may not yet be able to understand you, speaking to her frequently teaches the communicative value of speech and may help her learn to talk faster.

Ages 3-6 Months
Babies at this age may begin simple babble. The babble does not necessarily resemble words and may not be repetitive. Instead, your child is just testing out the sound of his voice and how he can communicate with it. You can help your baby begin understanding words by pointing to familiar objects and saying their names. If your baby accidentally babbles a syllable that sounds like a word, repeat it, point to the object it represents, and praise him. Responding to baby's babbles can help encourage a child to continue to experiment with language, which can make it easier for them to learn to talk.

Ages 6-9 Months
During this age, infant babble begins to drift more towards the sounds of their native tongue. Babbles can begin to sound like words and your child may say her first word (even if accidentally) at this age. Your baby is beginning to understand basic words and may know the names of familiar caregivers and household objects, even though he can't say them yet. He also understands that language is used to communicate and may begin to babble when he wants or needs something.

Ages 9-12 Months
There can be huge differences between children at this age in language ability. Some children can say several words while others may still only be babbling. Wherever your child is at the developmental continuum, she may begin to understand simple commands, and may answer questions with gestures. She understands many words now, even if she can't say them, and will begin trying to use language to communicate, even if she can't speak well for several more months.

Though it can be challenging waiting for your child to begin speaking, your baby understands much of what is going on around her. Engage with her as if she can speak. Responding to her babbles and talking to her about your day are excellent ways to expose her to language and get her ready to start talking.

Sources:

Child Psychology- Harwood, Miller, and Vasta. 5th Edition.