Your Baby Can Read 1st Year Developmental Milestones

Your baby can read if certain developmental milestones have occurred according to schedule during a tot’s first year. There are specific cognitions that should appear although exact timetables may be slightly different. When kids don’t exhibit language growth around the time that they should, this may be a red flag that something is amiss and it’s time to call in a professional. Delays might be caused by hearing issues or something else that can be remedied in order for them to progress normally. Providing a rich learning environment will help tots speak, understand and eventually progress to where your baby can read. Here are some developmental milestones to look for:

- First 3 months of life: Tiny babies are already watching, listening and learning much about speech. They begin to stop and look at someone speaking to them or quiet down when they hear mom’s or dad’s voice. Smiling when a parent or sibling enters the room or crying when they need something are early communication methods. Infants even have different types of crying sounds for various needs such as “I’m hungry,” or “my diaper is wet.” Parents begin to recognize the differences and communication is off and running.

- By six to eight months old: Sounds such as cooing, ma ma, da da, ba ba are being uttered. Initially these murmurings are simply repetitive consonants which aren’t connected to people and objects but soon, they are. When a tot says “dada” and his or her father responds, he or she soon learns that dada means daddy. Kids in this age bracket also begin to respond to music and make sounds other than crying that express displeasure.

- By the end of the first year: A child who is one year old will be saying a few words such as “uh oh” or “ball.” He or she will be imitating words; which is why this is a great time to initiate verbally labeling their environment. Pointing to objects and verbally labeling it, such as “cat” when the family pet strolls in or “book” when beginning to read picture or board books will teach them that words label objects. There are some learning games and kits available stocked with DVDs, games, books and more that can be incorporated into playtime. Teachers’ supply stores have assortments of educational toys available as do regular shops such as Walmart, Target and Toys R Us. “Your Baby Can Read” is a popular learning kit that is available in many stores and online.

During a child’s first year of life, there is an explosion of mental and physical growth that is going on. These youngsters are ripe for learning and achieving skills. Providing a nurturing and rich home environment will help them grow into bright children who love language and are drawn to reading. By taking note that a child’s developmental milestones are on track, a parent can make sure all will unfold according to nature’s timetable. If there are any delays or hearing losses, getting professional help early will help a tot to stay on track. During this first portion of life, all the building blocks are being stacked up so that your baby can read.