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Talk Like They Understand...Because They Do
Why your baby deserves real conversation (even before words)
Eliana Savitsky
October 12, 2025
✨ Hey there!
Ever catch yourself baby-talking, mumbling nonsense, or going quiet because “they don’t understand yet”?
Here’s the truth: your baby is listening, deeply. And every real word, every back-and-forth, every moment you talk to them like a person is building their brain, their confidence, and their connection with you.
You don’t need to “dumb it down.” You just need to show up: voice, face, and heart.
✨ First Things First: Quick Wins for You
📖 We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen – A rhythmic, repetitive adventure that invites participation (“Can’t go over it… can’t go under it…”), storytelling, and expressive language.
🐻 Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. – Predictable repetition helps your child anticipate what comes next, strengthening memory, rhythm, and turn-taking in conversation.
🌙 Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown – A calm, predictable bedtime story that models labeling and narration – perfect for teaching the flow of a story from beginning to end.
🧠 Why It Matters (OT Lens)
When my baby was just a few weeks old, I found myself chatting away while folding laundry: “Okay, socks go together, shirts get folded, now into the drawer.”
At first, it felt silly—like I was narrating to a wall. But slowly, I saw little shifts: eyes tracking my face, soft coos when I paused, that spark of understanding long before the words came.
That’s when it hit me—babies may not understand our words yet, but they absolutely understand our tone, rhythm, and presence.
Talking to them like a real human isn’t just about teaching vocabulary—it’s about showing respect, trust, and belonging from day one.
Talking to your baby like a human being does so much more than fill silence:
🧠 Builds the brain: Every word, tone, and expression strengthens neural pathways for language, attention, and emotional regulation.
❤️ Creates secure attachment: Real conversation—eye contact, pauses, responses—tells your baby, “You matter. I see you.”
👅 Models communication: Babies learn how conversations flow—speak, pause, respond—even before they say their first word.
🎶 Tunes their auditory system: Rich, rhythmic, varied language helps develop listening skills and sound discrimination.
💬 Teaches emotional intelligence: When you label your world—“That was loud!” or “You seem sleepy”—they learn the language of feelings.
This isn’t about using “baby talk” or big words—it’s about real talk with warmth.
📚 Storytime Routine to Try
Turn reading into a conversation with this easy daily routine:
1️⃣ Set the Stage – Sit face-to-face or side-by-side where they can see the book and your expressions.
2️⃣ Point and Name – As you read, label what you see: “That’s a bear! Look at his big paws!”
3️⃣ Pause for Participation – Ask, “What’s next?” or leave a blank at familiar parts (“Brown Bear, Brown Bear, what do you ____?”).
4️⃣ Add Feelings – Use expressive tone: whisper for quiet parts, gasp for surprises—your baby learns emotion through your voice.
5️⃣ Repeat Favorites – Reread beloved stories often; repetition builds comprehension, memory, and anticipation.
Aim for 10 minutes a day—morning, bedtime, or after snack. The goal isn’t finishing the book; it’s connecting through story.
🔬 Why It Works
Babies are born wired for connection. When we speak to them, not at them, their brains light up.
Your tone teaches comfort. Your words build understanding. Your pauses teach listening.
Talking to your baby like a person tells them:
🧡 You belong here. You’re worth listening to. You have a voice, too.
Wrapping Up for Today
You don’t need perfect words, just presence. Narrate, describe, reflect, and respond.
The more you talk, the more they learn—not just about language, but about love.
Big high-five,
Rebecca Eliana
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