Chatting with Your Little One: the first month

Chatting with your little one:

the key to sparking that first, vital language connection

It's important to talk frequently with your baby. For some parents, this comes naturally; they were already talking to their little one when he or she was still in the womb. Others, however, may have to make a bit more effort to find their unique and special way of addressing their child. The important thing is that the baby can hear the voices of mom and dad, as this not only has a reassuring effect, but also promotes cognitive and linguistic development.

Describe the actions you're taking. "Here I come, little one," "Now mom is going to pick you up," "Here I am," "Are you hungry?", "It's cold, I'll put a blanket on you." Repeat out loud what's happening in your day too. "Now we're getting ready to go out," "We're going for a nice walk," "Look at the beautiful sun, look at all the flowers," "Are you feeling hot? Should we take off the blanket?", "A puppy! How cute!"

It doesn't matter if they can't understand the meaning of the words; they understand the emotions very well and will start to associate them with the flow of sound they perceive.

Activity

Home Sweet Home: Baby's First House Adventure

An engaging activity to promote early language interaction with your newborn is a delightful "home tour." Take your baby on a journey around the house, introducing him/her to the various rooms and their functions. Make a point to explain each piece of furniture or object, repeating your descriptions as repetition aids memory. Remember, newborns' vision isn't fully developed, so bring them close to the items you're discussing.

But the interaction doesn't stop at sight and sound - movement is another powerful tool to connect your baby to their surroundings. As you wander from room to room, describing your world, gently lift and lower your baby in a rhythmic motion. This activity not only provides a comforting sensation but also helps them map out their physical environment. They will start associating specific movements with particular spaces, developing an early awareness of their surroundings.

This simple yet stimulating activity not only cultivates your baby's burgeoning language skills but also nurtures their spatial awareness, all while providing a loving, shared experience. Remember, every little chat, every tender lift, is a step toward your child's cognitive and physical development. So, make the most of these intimate moments of exploration and learning - they are the building blocks of your newborn's multilingual journey.