The benefits of baby talk: supporting early speech and language development
By Emma O’Dwyer, Speech and Language Therapist & IBCLC
Baby Speak | Speech and Language Therapy, Harley Street, London
From birth, babies are learning how communication works. Long before children say their first words, they are already developing the foundations for speech, language, attention and social interaction.
One of the most effective and evidence-based ways to support this early development is through talking to your baby.
Often referred to as “baby talk” or “parentese”, the way adults naturally speak to babies plays a crucial role in early communication development. At Baby Speak, we regularly support families across London to build these foundations through responsive, everyday interaction.
This article explains what baby talk is, why it works, and how parents can use it to support early speech and language development.
What Is Baby Talk?
Baby talk does not mean using incorrect words or simplifying language excessively.
In clinical practice, we use the term parentese to describe a way of speaking that includes:
A warm, expressive tone
Slightly slower speech
Clear pronunciation
Short, grammatically correct sentences
Repetition
Talking about what your baby is attending to
For example:
“You’re holding the ball. A red ball. Roll the ball.”
Research shows that babies attend more closely to this type of speech and find it easier to process and learn from.
Why Talking to Your Baby Matters
The first three years of life are a critical period for brain development. During this time, babies are:
Learning how sounds work
Developing attention and listening skills
Building understanding before spoken language emerges
Language development does not happen through exposure alone. Babies learn best through responsive interaction, where adults notice and respond to their communication attempts.
Evidence Behind Baby Talk
Research in early language development consistently shows that:
Babies prefer parent-directed speech to adult conversation
They engage for longer when speech is expressive and responsive
Vocabulary growth is strongly linked to caregiver responsiveness
Early interaction predicts later language and literacy outcomes
Tamis-LeMonda et al. (2001) and Rowe (2012) both demonstrate that the quality of interaction, not just the number of words, is key to language development.
How Baby Talk Supports Speech and Language Development
Building Understanding Before Speech
Children understand language before they can use words themselves. Talking about what your baby is looking at or doing helps them link words with meaning.
“Here’s your cup.”
“You’re kicking your legs.”
This supports receptive (understanding) language development.
Supporting Speech Sound Development
Clear, slightly exaggerated speech helps babies tune into speech sounds and begin learning how words are formed.
Encouraging First Words
Repetition of key words during everyday routines supports early vocabulary development and motivates babies to attempt communication.
The NHS recommends using everyday activities such as feeding, bathing and dressing as opportunities for language learning.
Developing Turn-Taking and Interaction
Responding to sounds, gestures and facial expressions teaches babies that communication is two-way. This is the foundation for later conversation skills.
Practical Ways to Use Baby Talk at Home
Parents do not need specialist resources. Effective support happens naturally within daily routines.
Talk during everyday activities
Follow your baby’s interests
Repeat key words
Pause to allow your baby time to respond
Use clear, real words rather than simplified language
These strategies support communication without increasing pressure or overstimulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is baby talk good for speech development?
Yes. “Baby talk” (often called parentese) supports early speech and language development because it helps babies pay attention to speech sounds, learn word patterns, and link words to meaning through interaction.
What is parentese and how is it different from baby talk?
Parentese is a research-backed style of talking to babies using a warm tone, clear pronunciation and slightly slower speech. It differs from unhelpful “baby talk” that uses incorrect words. Parentese uses real words and short, clear sentences.
How much should I talk to my baby each day?
There is no perfect number. The most helpful approach is frequent, responsive talk during everyday routines (feeding, dressing, bath time, play), with pauses so your baby can respond with looks, sounds or gestures.
Does reading to my baby help them talk?
Yes. Looking at books together supports listening, attention, early vocabulary and understanding. It works best when you comment on pictures, repeat key words, and follow your baby’s lead rather than reading every word on the page.
Can screen time replace talking to my baby?
No. Babies learn communication best through real human interaction. Video calls can be helpful when they involve back-and-forth interaction, but background TV and passive videos do not provide the same language learning benefits.
When should I be concerned about my baby’s speech and language development?
Consider seeking advice if your baby is not babbling by around 9-10 months, uses very few sounds/gestures, does not respond to their name, or is not using words by around 18 months. If you are unsure, an assessment can provide clarity and practical guidance.
Can a Speech and Language Therapist help even if my child is very young?
Yes. Early support often focuses on helping parents use evidence-based interaction strategies at home, as well as checking listening, attention, play and early communication skills.
Do you offer home visits in London?
Yes. Baby Speak offers private Speech and Language Therapy from our Harley Street clinic and home visits across North, Central, West and East London, as well as online consultations.
When to Seek Advice
All children develop at their own pace. However, families may wish to seek advice from a Speech and Language Therapist if a child:
Is not babbling by around 9–10 months
Uses very few sounds or gestures
Does not respond to their name
Is not using words by around 18 months
Appears frustrated when trying to communicate
NHS guidance on speech and language development can be found here.
A speech and language assessment can provide reassurance and practical guidance.
Learn more about early speech and language milestones and what to expect from birth to 3 years.
How Baby Speak Can Support Families
Baby Speak is a specialist paediatric Speech and Language Therapy practice based on Harley Street, London.
We provide:
Clinic appointments
Home visits across North, Central, West and East London
Online consultations
Evidence-based assessment and therapy for babies and young children
Find out more about our Speech and Language Therapy services in London.
Why Early Support Makes a Difference
Early communication skills are closely linked to later:
Language and literacy
Learning and attention
Social and emotional development
Research consistently shows that early identification and early intervention support better long-term outcomes and smoother transitions into nursery and school.
Supporting Families, Building Confidence
At Baby Speak, our HCPC-registered Speech and Language Therapists work collaboratively with families to provide:
Clear, practical guidance
Individualised support
Therapy that fits naturally into everyday life
Our focus is on early, evidence-based support that builds confidence for both children and parents.
To learn more or book an appointment:
References
Tamis-LeMonda, C. S., Bornstein, M. H., & Baumwell, L. (2001). Maternal responsiveness and children’s achievement of language milestones.
Rowe, M. L. (2012). A longitudinal investigation of the role of quantity and quality of child-directed speech.
Emma O’Dwyer
Speech and Language Therapist, IBCLC Lactation Consultant and Founder of Baby Speak