Early language development is an incredible journey. This brief explores the basics of early language development in infants and toddlers. Find the latest research-based information. Explore tips to help families support children as they grow from listening to sounds to saying words. Also check out the Connecting at Home section. It includes simple tips for families to support their child’s language growth.

Research Notes

Children’s brains are incredibly good at learning language. In fact, early childhood is the best time to learn language. The brain has different periods when it is especially good at learning the different features of language. For example, the best time for recognizing the sounds of our home language(s) is during the first year of life. But the best time for learning words occurs in the second year of life. Infants’ and toddlers’ brains are built to learn language, but they can’t do it alone! They need adults’ help every step of the way.

The Take Home

●    Infants’ and toddlers’ brains are designed to learn language.
●    Early experiences build infants’ and toddlers’ brains.
●    The first three years of life is a period of rapid language development.
●    Children learn language best from social interactions that include high-quality language supports.

What does research say?

Language learning begins before birth.

Hearing is one of the earliest senses infants develop while inside the womb. In the third trimester, developing infants can hear the voice of their birth mother. Listening from the womb builds and strengthens connections in their brain. Newborn infants can recognize their birth mother’s language or languages as their “home” language. That’s incredible!

The brain is preparing for language long before babies begin to talk or sign.

As early as 6 months of age, regions important for listening and speaking are active in the brain at the same time. These areas are active even when infants are only listening to verbal language or watching sign language. Infants are listening, watching, and learning from the language they hear in their environment. As they do, it builds strong language connections in their brain. This happens long before they say or sign their first word. This is why it is so important to talk to babies before they begin talking or signing back.

Experience shapes language development.

At first, infants can tell the difference between all the sounds in all the languages of the world. But their early experiences with language shape the connections that form in their brains. By 10–12 months, infants are native language specialists. They are experts at hearing and recognizing the speech sounds that are most relevant to them. But they are no longer as good at telling the difference between sounds in languages they don’t hear. This is why the first year of life is the best time to learn language sounds.

Try this!

The parent is the child’s most important teacher, and you are their “guide on the side.” Use these tips with families to help them support their child’s language development.

• Chat and giggle during everyday moments like getting dressed or snack time. Try saying things like, “One sock, two socks — tickle those toes!” Or “Your snack is shaped like a fish. Can you make a fish face like me?”
• Young children use their whole body to communicate. A look away, a scrunched-up face, or reaching out might be their way of saying, “No thanks!” or “I want that!” Help parents notice these signs and talk about what the baby might be telling them. Then use language to respond. For example, “Oh, I see you want that toy!” It helps their baby feel heard and builds early communication skills.
• Model using “parentese” with babies. Babies love this high-pitched, sing-songy voice. It grabs their attention and helps them learn the sounds of words. Any time is a good time to use parentese! Parents might try it out during diaper changes, book reading, or feedings. 
• The best language for a baby is the one they use at home! This includes American Sign Language (ASL)! Encourage families to talk, sing, and cuddle using their home language(s). It’s OK to be silly — sing songs, repeat favorite words, and tell stories using the language they love most.to be silly — sing songs, repeat favorite words, and tell stories using the language they love most.
• Share with families that even if their baby isn’t talking yet, conversations are still important! When a baby coos or babbles, answer back, then pause to see what they do next. These little back-and-forth moments are how babies learn to take turns and use language. Plus, they help babies feel closer to adults!
• Music is a fun and powerful way to help babies learn language. Moving to music helps babies get better at noticing patterns in both music and speech. Families can grab a shaker, clap their hands, or move to a rhythm — it’s fun and helps build strong language skills, too!
• Young children learn language best during warm, face-to-face interactions with adults. Help families find little moments — like bath time or bedtime — to give their child full attention, even for 10 or 15 minutes. That one-on-one time really matters. And it is a great time for families to add more language to their day!

Learn More

●    Brilliant Bilingual Babies
●    Building the Brain: Supporting Children’s Early Brain Development
●    American Sign Language
●    Effective Practice Guides: Language and Literacy

Connecting at Home

Talking and singing with your baby or toddler helps their brain grow and fosters strong language skills. These early interactions help children grow their vocabulary and build early literacy skills. You don’t need special tools or toys — only your voice, time, and attention. Everyday moments like feeding, getting dressed, or reading a book are great times to use language. Try these simple activities to support your child’s language development at home!

Talk to me.

Babies love to hear the voices and languages they know best. Talk and sing to your baby using your home language in a slow, sing-song voice — called “parentese.” You can say things like, “Hello, baby! Are you ready to eat?” or sing a lullaby in your family’s language. Encourage siblings, grandparents, and other family members to do the same. This helps your baby learn the sounds and rhythm of your language in a fun and loving way.

What’s going on?

Talk to your baby or toddler during everyday routines, even if they can’t talk back yet. Describe what you’re doing: “I’m putting the groceries away. We have apples! You love apples!” Or you might say, “We’re going outside. Let’s put on your shoes. Where is your foot hiding?” Then, wait and give them time to respond. When your child points, makes a sound, or looks at something, answer like they’re part of the conversation. It helps them feel heard and supports language learning. Back-and-forth interactions like this are very important for language learning!

Let’s read together.

Reading books and telling stories are great ways to grow your child’s language. Ask questions like, “Do you see the dog?” or say, “That tree looks like the one in our yard!” Use fun voices for different characters or add sounds, like barking or giggling. Point to pictures as you talk so your child can match words with what they see. Let your child help turn the pages or point to things they recognize — it keeps them engaged and learning.

There you are!

Playing peek-a-boo is a fun way to help babies learn back-and-forth communication. Hide behind a blanket, a toy, or your hands, and then pop out with a big “Peek-a-boo!” Wait a moment to see if your baby kicks their feet, reaches out, or makes a sound before you show your face again. You can also play by hiding a stuffed animal and letting your baby pull off the blanket.