Categories

When Do Babies Recognize and Respond to Their Name

Ways to Help Your Baby Recognize Their Name

A baby understanding their name is most likely the first thing they clearly get to grasp. There are several ways you can help your child learn their name. Still you shouldn’t fret it if these methods don’t work right away. Understand that all babies reach milestones at different times. Your baby is moving at their own pace and it doesn’t necessarily mean anything is wrong.

Some of these strategies include:

Try repetition: Call them by their name consistently. Always insert their name when interacting with your child. Say things like “Nick, would you like your bottle?” or “It’s time to change your diaper, Sophia!” Regular use your baby’s name in conversation may help it click over time.

Eliminate distractions: When there’s a lot of distractions, it becomes difficult for your child to identify that you are talking to them. Try going to a quiet place. Play with your baby and in the middle call their name to see if your baby responds.

Change your tone: Pediatric speech-language pathologist Laura Mize [3] suggests changing your tone of voice [4] when you call your baby. Try a singsong voice or an excited whisper. This ought to get your baby’s attention easier than your normal voice.

Use photos: Consider making a photo book or just looking through photographs with your baby. Make reference to the picture, while calling their name out. You can say things like “Look at Victoria’s beautiful blue eyes!” or “That is a nice hat that Marco is wearing!”