Pre-Linguistic Development – Tips and Tricks for Parents

As a speech-language pathologist, I often hear from parents eager to understand how they can support their baby’s early communication skills. These first few months of life, known as the pre-linguistic stage, are essential for building the foundation for later language skills. Babies may not be saying words just yet, but they are already practicing the sounds and social cues that will shape their ability to communicate. Here’s what you need to know about the stages of pre-linguistic development and some helpful tips and tricks to encourage your baby’s growth during this exciting time.

What is Pre-Linguistic Development?

Pre-linguistic development is the phase where infants start to use sounds, gestures, and eye contact to interact with the world. This stage usually spans from birth to around 12 months and includes critical milestones such as cooing, babbling, and eventually, imitating sounds. According to Berko Gleason and Ratner (2022), babies in this stage practice controlling their vocal apparatus through a series of developmental steps that will prepare them for true language (The Development of Language).

Tips and Tricks for Supporting Your Baby's Pre-Linguistic Development

Supporting your baby's development during this stage is easier than it sounds. With these simple strategies, you can foster a communication-rich environment that encourages your little one to explore sounds and interactions.

1. Talk Often

Talking to your baby may feel one-sided at first, but it’s one of the most impactful ways to encourage language development. Narrate your day, describe what you're doing, or talk about things around you. Research shows that babies who hear more spoken language are more likely to have larger vocabularies later on (Hart & Risley, 1995). Even if they can't respond, babies are actively listening and learning to recognize the sounds and patterns of your speech.

2. Make Eye Contact and Use Facial Expressions

Babies love to look at faces, especially their caregivers'. Engaging in eye contact and using expressive facial gestures can help your baby understand the social aspect of communication. Try smiling, raising your eyebrows, or making funny faces to get a reaction – these interactions help babies learn to associate sounds with emotions and social cues.

3. Respond to Your Baby’s Sounds

When your baby coos or babbles, respond with enthusiasm! Treat these sounds as part of a conversation, which reinforces the idea of turn-taking in communication. According to research by Tamis-LeMonda et al. (2001), responsive interactions between caregivers and babies promote early language skills and encourage babies to explore their vocalizations.

4. Sing and Read Aloud

Singing songs and reading aloud expose your baby to different rhythms and tones, both of which are essential for language learning. Songs with repetitive sounds help babies anticipate language patterns, and reading introduces them to the sounds of various words in a natural flow.

5. Use Simple Sound Games

Babies love repetition, so try playing sound games with them. Repeat their coos or babbling sounds, or use simple, playful sounds like “ma-ma,” “ba-ba,” or “da-da.” These early sounds are often some of the first that babies attempt to imitate, and these games can help them feel comfortable experimenting with new sounds.

6. Create a Quiet Environment for Communication

Limiting background noise, like TV or loud music, allows your baby to focus on your voice, making it easier for them to tune in to specific sounds. A quiet environment gives them a better chance to hear the details of your voice and encourages them to respond.

7. Encourage Babbling and Vocal Play

Babbling is a critical milestone in pre-linguistic development. By around six months, most babies start producing repetitive syllables, like “ba-ba” and “da-da.” Encouraging this vocal play helps babies practice the sounds they’ll use in words. You can model babbling sounds for your baby to imitate, reinforcing their desire to make sounds and interact.

A Strong Foundation for Communication

Pre-linguistic development is a joyful and fascinating stage in your baby’s journey to language. With a little attention to daily interactions and these simple strategies, you can provide your child with a communication-rich environment that promotes their natural curiosity and ability to express themselves. Remember, every coo, babble, and giggle is a step closer to their first words – and you’re their best guide on this journey!

For more information on fostering early language skills, feel free to explore resources on Join the Conversation and check out my suggested reading list for caregivers who want to explore pre-linguistic and language development more deeply.

References:

• Berko Gleason, J., & Ratner, N. B. (2022). The Development of Language (10th ed.). Plural Publishing.

• Hart, B., & Risley, T. R. (1995). Meaningful Differences in the Everyday Experience of Young American Children. Brookes Publishing.

• Tamis-LeMonda, C. S., Bornstein, M. H., & Baumwell, L. (2001). Maternal responsiveness and children's achievement of language milestones. Child Development, 72(3), 748–767.

Thank you for joining the conversation! Let’s help our children thrive, one sound at a time.