Baby Talk: It’s Good for Infants, According to Science

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So, guess what? Using that silly high-pitched voice when chatting with your little ones is actually beneficial for their development. A study from Rutgers University has revealed that baby talk isn’t just for laughs; it’s a vital tool for helping infants learn language. My cousin will be ecstatic to hear this!

Patrick Greenfield, an associate professor of math and computer science at Rutgers, explains, “We speak to children in this exaggerated way to help them grasp the essential features of language.” The researchers developed a mathematical model to illustrate how language could be tailored for teaching kids, and surprise, surprise—it closely resembles the sing-songy tones we affectionately refer to as baby talk.

“The sounds we use amplify the critical elements that babies need to notice and learn,” Greenfield adds.

Now, I must admit, I’m not a fan of baby talk. Friends of mine insist on using it with my toddler, and it drives me up the wall. In an effort to encourage clear speech and to avoid sounding ridiculous, I’ve chosen to communicate with my child like an adult—which is probably just as silly. But hey, it’s what I’m comfortable with!

As parents, we often find ourselves doing things that make us look a bit foolish. Whether it’s dancing along to kids’ shows or making train noises to coax them into eating, we’ve all been there. Using a high-pitched voice might just be the least embarrassing thing we do all day! This study suggests that our kids may actually develop their speaking skills faster if we indulge in baby talk. So, hooray for us—we can finally ditch the guilt of sounding goofy while chatting like Olive Oyl from Popeye!

I do find it amusing that I spent ages wishing for my now five-year-old to talk, and once he did, he hasn’t stopped chattering since. Right now, he’s in the next room giving my partner a play-by-play of the latest Scooby-Doo episode, and it’s a lengthy monologue! Thank goodness we didn’t use baby talk, or he might have been talking even sooner.

Reflecting on those early months filled with simple coos and gurgles, I realize they were some of the quietest times in my parenting journey. No lengthy discussions about cartoons or unwanted commentary at dinner. So, props to those who embrace baby talk, but I think I’ll stick with my usual tone. In fact, I might even consider signing to my six-month-old; it seems less awkward!

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In summary, while baby talk may feel silly, it plays a crucial role in helping infants learn language. So don’t hesitate to use that high-pitched voice—your little one might just benefit from it!