by Narissa Ventress, M.A., CCC-SLP

During the period from birth to three months (or longer, every baby is different) you should start to notice your child reaching the following receptive and expressive language milestones:

In the area of receptive language (hearing and understanding), you will see your baby:

  • Startle to loud sounds
  • Smile OR become quiet when spoken to
  • Stop crying when she recognizes mom or dad’s voice
  • Increase or decrease sucking behavior in response to sounds

With regard to expressive Language (talking), you will hear your baby:

  • Make please sounds (cooing- see above, gooing)
  • Cry differently for different needs (hungry, tired, pain, wet diaper)
  • (see your baby) Smile when she sees you

Ways to encourage language development during this time:

  1. Talk to your baby and look at her when you are talking to her. Let her see your face. Do this throughout the day, but especially during routine activities (e.g., bathing, changing diapers, eating). Studies have also shown that babies prefer and respond more often when using “infant directed speech (motherese).”
  1. Sing to your baby. Studies have shown that mothers often intuitively use and modify singing elements when singing to their infants. In response, babies change their attention and arousal to the singing and demonstrate clear preferences for their mothers’ singing style. The study also suggests that music can provide a good sensory stimulation and create reciprocal behaviors that encourage attachment.
  1. Read to your baby. Choose books that have bright colors and big pictures. He will enjoy listening to your voice while looking at the pictures.

Don’t forget, every child is different and may meet developmental milestones at different times. If you have concerns, contact your pediatrician or a local speech-language pathologist.

An Interesting Study

A study completed in 2010 found that infants prefer and can discriminate between a familiar language (the language spoken by its mother) and an unfamiliar language. This suggests that prior to birth (pre-natal), the human brain is listening to its language environment, so begin chatting with your little one even before he or she makes their entrance into this world!

For more info, see:

Verbal Expectations: 4-6 Months
3 Essentials to Encourage Speech in Toddlers (and Babies)

See asha.org for additional information.

Byers-Heinlein, K., Burns, T. C., and Werker, J. F. (2010). The roots of bilingualism in newborns. Psychol. Sci. 21, 343–348.