Most of us will once in a while unintentionally use baby talk. Whether it’s directed towards an actual baby, our preschooler, or even a pet (we all do it), there’s nothing wrong with the occasional “who’s a cute lil’ baby?”. However, when our preschoolers begin to regularly use baby talk themselves and their use of age-appropriate speech becomes rare, we might be a little confused or even worried. But using language associated with babies is not an uncommon behaviour among preschool kids.

We want our kids to constantly learn new things and keep on progressing, but when they make a habit of baby talk it can feel like they are going backwards.

However, this isn’t generally the case. So, why do preschoolers use baby talk?

Why do preschoolers use baby talk?

Like many behaviours we consider unusual in children, baby talk is most likely a child trying their hardest to get your attention.

In the past, they may have used this affectation, only for adults to respond with laughter, surprise, or even a telling-off. Whether the attention they received was indulgent - “Aren’t you a cutie?” - or critical - “Stop, you’re too old to speak like that!” - they learnt that baby talk gets them some form of attention.

Sometimes a child will begin to use baby talk if there’s a younger sibling, cousin or friend in the mix. When preschoolers must share a space they have gotten used to with another younger child, they will almost inevitably feel that they are getting less attention. They imitate the baby, hoping that in this way they get the same type and amount of attention.

So, now that we have established why preschoolers might use baby talk, how do we go about preventing it?

How do we prevent our kids from repeatedly using baby talk?

Most three-year-olds have a fairly good grasp of their native language, but remember that every child is different and learning to speak might take some kids longer than others. So before you make any significant changes, make sure your child’s use of baby talk is an attention-seeking device and not a consequence of them struggling to communicate. If this is the case, work on developing their speech through reading and conversing regularly, and if not, think about implementing the following steps.

Ignore baby talk

When your child uses baby talk, whether you find it to be endearing or irritating, do not look at or speak to them. In fact, your actions should say that you are entirely unaware of it. Imagine that you and your little one are having a conversation about their day and suddenly they drop into baby talk in the midst of a conversation. Tell them, “I cannot talk to you when you use baby talk” and if they resume as normal, engage with them. Otherwise, find something else to do and wait until the baby talk comes to a stop. Once they have come to reuse their normal voice, be sure to give them plenty of attention, teaching them that it is the behaviour that you are ignoring and not them.

This also applies to physical attention. Some children assume baby talk when they want to be picked up and hugged because they have associated this behaviour with being babylike. Tell them that you will happily pick them up and give them a great big hug if they can ask in their normal voice, and if they comply, give them the hug or hold their hand as they requested. If the baby talk continues, walk away. But make sure to give them a hug or squeeze when they once again use appropriate speech.

Reinforce appropriate use of language

It’s important that alongside ignoring the baby talk, you also let your child know which behaviours you expect and value instead. Listen out for when they are speaking appropriately and pay them plenty of attention, engaging in long and full conversations. Praise them with such phrases as, “I really like the way you are speaking. It’s great to hear you talk so clearly!”

When the baby talk begins to reduce, you can cut down on the amount of praise, but be sure to reinforce it every now and again to ensure they don’t revert back to it.

What should I do if my preschooler keeps using baby talk?

Don’t panic. Follow Unii’s tips and this too shall pass.