What are a child’s first words?

Dear reader, today we are devoting ourselves to a very special topic: your child and his or her first words. It is a moment that you, as a parent, await with great joy and excitement. But which words are the first to be spoken by children? And what can you do to support them in their language development? Let's delve into this fascinating world together.

The first words: A milestone in development

Your child's first words are an important step in their development. They mark the transition from non-verbal to verbal communication. For many children, this occurs at around one year of age, but language development is different for each child. Some say their first word before their first birthday, others may not be until 20 months. It is important that you as a parent are patient and let your child learn at their own pace.

Mom, dad and…?

A child's first words are often "mommy" and "daddy." This is because these words are easy to articulate and children hear them frequently. However, other words that refer to everyday objects or activities can also be among the first words. These include, for example, "ball," "book," "yes," and "no." Studies show that most children's first words refer to family members, daily routines, vehicles, toys, or animals.

How can you support language development?

There are various ways you can support your child in their language development. Here are some tips:

• Talk to your child often and a lot. The more words and sentences a child hears, the more he or she learns about the language.
• Maintain eye contact. When you talk to your child, look at him. This helps him to concentrate on you and your words.
• Integrate words into actions. For example, if you throw a ball, say “throw ball.” This will help your child connect words with actions.
• Create small rituals. Repetition helps children learn words and their meanings. A bedtime song or a certain sentence before meals can be such rituals.
• Avoid baby talk. Speak to your child in complete sentences and use the right words. This way he or she will learn the language as it really is.

It is important to emphasize that every child is unique and develops at their own pace. Do not compare your child with others and encourage them to make mistakes. Because mistakes are a learning experience. And above all: enjoy this special time and your child's first words. They are the beginning of a lifelong journey of communication and learning.