10 Easy Ways to Encourage Your Baby’s First Words

Hearing your baby say their first words is a milestone every parent cherishes. Those magical moments can be encouraged with a few simple, intentional practices. Here are 10 speech therapist approved ways to help your baby's early language development.

1. Talk to Your Baby Constantly

Babies learn by hearing language, so narrate your day as if you're hosting a show just for them.

Example:
While changing a diaper, say, “Let’s take off this diaper. It’s wet, so we’re putting on a clean one. All done! Now you’re dry!”

This running commentary helps your baby associate words with actions and objects, even before they can respond.

2. Use Repetition

Repetition reinforces language learning by making words more familiar.

Example:
If your baby is playing with a ball, repeatedly say, “Ball! Look at the ball! Roll the ball.” Then, encourage them to say the word when they reach for it.

Repetition turns everyday moments into language lessons.

3. Sing Songs and Nursery Rhymes

Babies love rhythm and melody, which are powerful tools for language development.

Example:
Sing classics like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” or “The Wheels on the Bus.” Emphasize rhymes and motions (e.g., making a star shape with your hands or mimicking the wheels turning) to keep them engaged.

Tip: Repetition in nursery rhymes also aids memory, laying the foundation for future vocabulary.

4. Read Aloud Daily

Reading aloud exposes your baby to a variety of words and sounds. Even if they don’t understand the story, they’re absorbing language.

Example:
Choose books with simple, repetitive language, such as Goodnight Moon or Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Point to the pictures as you read and say, “This is a bunny. The bunny is sleeping.”

This builds their vocabulary and introduces the connection between words and pictures.

5. Imitate Their Sounds

Babbling is your baby’s way of practicing language. By imitating their sounds, you create a back-and-forth interaction that mimics conversation.

Example:
If your baby says, “Ba-ba,” respond enthusiastically with, “Ba-ba! Yes, ba-ba! What else?” This encourages them to keep “talking.”

This playful exchange helps babies learn the rhythm of communication.

6. Name Everything

Babies learn best when words are tied to specific objects or actions.

Example:
During a walk, point to objects and say, “Look, a tree! The tree is green. Do you see the bird in the tree?”

At home, narrate daily activities: “Here’s your spoon. We’re eating applesauce with the spoon.” Repetition and context help babies make connections.

7. Use Gestures

Pairing gestures with words reinforces their meaning and helps your baby understand concepts before they can say the words themselves.

Example:
Wave when you say, “Bye-bye,” or point to your mouth while saying, “Eat.” You can also clap your hands while saying, “Good job!”

Babies often pick up gestures first, which leads to better communication and quicker speech development.

8. Limit Screen Time

Interactive play and conversation are far more beneficial than screen-based learning for language development in babies.

Example:
Instead of turning on a video, play peek-a-boo, sing songs, or engage in stacking toys together.

Human interaction, with eye contact and physical gestures, is key to developing language skills.

9. Play Peek-a-Boo

This classic game is more than just fun—it teaches babies about object permanence and encourages interaction.

Example:
Cover your face with your hands and say, “Where’s Mommy? Peek-a-boo!” Repeat with toys or blankets to add variety.

Peek-a-boo not only entertains but also encourages your baby to mimic sounds and actions.

10. Be Patient

Every baby develops at their own pace, so it’s important to celebrate small progress and keep creating a language-rich environment.

Example:
If your baby doesn’t respond to “mama” right away, don’t worry. Keep using the word in different contexts: “Here’s mama’s cup,” or “Come to mama.”

Progress may seem slow, but consistency will eventually pay off. Celebrate any attempt at communication, whether it’s a babble, gesture, or word.

Encouraging your baby’s first words is about creating an environment rich in language and interaction. By talking, singing, reading, and playing, you’re building the foundation for their lifelong communication skills. Try these tips consistently, and before you know it, you’ll hear those precious first words.

For more information and help, check out the Little Language Explorers Course!