Learning to Speak!

When was the last time you had to hum, make a sound like a bell, or bark like a dog?

We usually use our voices to speak, and that is the primary way your baby hears your voice. But she uses her voice in many other ways, such as crying, cooing, and babbling. By humming and making different sounds, you encourage your child's vocal skills, giving her assurance to explore the different ways she can use her voice.

As adults we forget how hard it is to learn to speak.  It takes a lot of coordination to use your tongue, lips, and breath control to produce a specific sound. 

Animal sounds and other play sounds make great “first words” for your baby. By listening to and feeling you hum, she may try to make those sounds as well. So go ahead, make your own animal sounds, car sounds, or rain sounds. If anyone asks, say that you are just being a great parent.