What A Baby Hears Leaves A Mark On His Brain

Babies are the most receptive creatures in the world. They need stimulation, love, caressing and most of all words. Everything a baby hears leaves a lasting imprint on his brain. Thus, we should be, as it were, awesome Architects in a kind of love that can be understood from our tone of voice. We should guide babies with a warm voice that embraces and stimulates.

Those who think that talking to a newborn is foolish are completely wrong. Non-speaking creates shortcomings as it puts the brakes on the child’s communication processes that he needs to develop.

Babies should talk face to face. We should talk to them a lot, sing, whisper and tell stories. Despite the fact that they are not yet able to understand the meanings of the words we say, they are skilled interpreters of emotions. They are like little pioneers in the language process.

Babies are slowly beginning to understand the meaning of certain words as the days and months pass. Before we even notice, they already understand the sentences and start communicating themselves. This fantastic process must take place in a supportive, loving and familiar environment.

Even if we don’t talk directly to newborns,  everything the baby hears will be stored in his or her brain, which is constantly evolving. That’s why you should never think about whether to speak for good – it is! If you are a parent who never stops talking to your baby, he is very lucky.

Now let’s take a closer look at why this is – so why talk to your baby?

Routines are ideal moments to promote communication

We are all certainly aware that newborns spend most of their time sleeping. Their first weeks and months still contain great moments for us to get started on the magical process of stimulating a child’s brain with language.

• Breastfeeding is definitely the best situation – it is the most magical and significant moment to talk to your baby.
• Make sure the tone of your voice is warm and positive, and always use positive-sounding intonation.
• Try to maintain eye contact when changing baby diapers, putting clothes on him, and taking them off.
• A bath moment is a relaxing situation where the baby is receptive to the voices and gestures of the parents.
• If you can make a smile with your baby, you can be sure that you have made a positive and loving imprint on your baby’s brain.

The mother’s voice guides the baby

The mother’s voice has great ability. It has always been present, long before the baby is born into the world. The child has already spent nine months in the womb of the woman who is now rocking, feeding and caring for her.

• When babies are born, they already recognize the mother’s voice. The amniotic fluid is a great transmitter of sound, and so as soon as the fetus begins to develop its sense of hearing, its mother’s voice is accompanied every single day.
• Babies don’t understand vocabulary, we all already know that. But as we mentioned at the beginning of this article, the purpose of the speaking process is not for the baby to understand the semantics contained in the sentences.
• He will laugh and sometimes be scared when your voice rises.

Words should be spoken with gestures

Communication with your baby should be strengthened with gestures and an appropriate tone of voice. In this way, you can confirm both verbal and non-verbal language. At the same time, gestures are great mood enhancers.

• Never forget to smile when you talk to your baby, and always try to keep eye contact.
• You should also introduce short reaction times, which means you are expecting your baby to react. Wait for him to make noises, open his eyes, let go of a small groan, or even smile. This way, you can also teach your baby about speech patterns.

It is also very important that you try to understand your baby’s communication process. Babies gesture, smile and make different sounds. Another way to strengthen the language is to imitate the baby’s gestures and sounds. This way you can make him feel that you understand him. All his messages are important and valuable.

The key to talking to your baby – you’re already doing this unconsciously!

The way adults talk to babies is “baby talk” in English, and in Finnish the word would be flattery or something similar. This is something that most parents use every day.

• No adult talks to a baby the same way he talks to other adults. In fact, our brains know how best to interact with babies so we can stimulate their communication processes.
• It should not be forgotten that language is a genetic trace that distinguishes us from other primates. We should be prepared to encourage the child to use this ability at an early age.
• Speak to your children in a high voice so you can get their attention captured.
• We also emit sounds that stimulate new sensations: laughter, yelling, etc.

• This is something that no one has taught us, and it is happening according to instinct. Sometimes we say things that don’t matter, but they can still communicate peace to the baby.

Last but not least, there are countless reasons to start communicating with your child as early as possible – you can start from the first moment he or she arrives in the world and his or her skin is against yours. He needs you, and he also needs to learn to communicate.

So remember that all of the first words we share with him leave a mark on a child’s brain. The words your baby hears will take him towards language control. She is thus able to  understand the world through an ever-present and warm voice that shows her the endless love you feel for your child.