Even before babies understand words, they’re tuning in. Around 1 to 3 months old, your baby begins to recognize familiar voices—especially yours. They may turn toward sound, smile when you speak, and begin experimenting with their own little sounds. It’s the very beginning of their journey toward language.
Babies are naturally drawn to human voices, especially the ones they hear most often. They quickly learn to associate those voices with comfort, food, and love. You might notice yourself talking to your baby in a higher pitch, with big expressions and slower speech. That’s no accident—this natural “baby talk” helps them focus and engage.
By 2 months, many babies start cooing and making simple vowel sounds like “ah” or “ooh.” These first conversations are a big deal! When you talk and respond to your baby’s sounds, you’re teaching them about communication—how to take turns, match tones, and understand emotions.
As they grow into the 4-month mark, your baby may begin babbling (“muh-muh,” “bah-bah”) and paying closer attention to how your voice sounds. They’ll start connecting your words with routines: your voice tells them when it’s time to eat, play, or rest. It also shows them how you’re feeling—if you speak warmly, they may smile. If you sound upset, they might cry or look surprised.
Why This Matters
Talking to your baby isn’t just a way to pass time—it’s how they learn about the world, emotions, and relationships. These early back-and-forth moments lay the foundation for language and emotional development. And best of all? You don’t need fancy toys or gadgets—just your voice and some one-on-one time.
Try This at Home
1. Chat all day long.
Narrate your routine: “Now we’re changing your diaper,” “Let’s go outside.” Your voice helps your baby feel calm and connected—and they’re soaking up every word.
2. Imitate and add.
When your baby coos, coo back! Then add a simple word or phrase: “Ooh? Yes, it is a big smile!” This teaches rhythm and builds early vocabulary.
3. Mix it up.
It’s okay to use a playful tone, but include real words too. “Who's my little cutie?” can be followed by, “Let’s read a book together.”
4. Make reading a habit.
Even newborns benefit from being read to. The sound of your voice and the rhythm of language matter more than the story itself at this age.
Source: Adapted from Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5, 7th Edition, American Academy of Pediatrics (©2019).