Parents will be keeping their ears perked for sound and even simple words in their newborn’s first twelve months, but gestures and body language also play a key role in speech development. Babies are trying to tell us so much about their needs through these forms of communication, and it's important to pay attention to the following signs:

Pointing

What is your baby's point? Try to figure out this very literal question between eight and 10 months, when your child will try to point to things and people they want you to notice. The social use of the index finger is interesting for you but also an important milestone in their social and cognitive development. Respond enthusiastically to encourage them to keep using this gesture.

Waving

Wave at your baby when they start waving at you. This shows recognition and encourages them to persist. Waving usually happens between nine and twelve months, as they say ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye.’ Waving is also a sign your baby is learning to interpret social interactions and manners.

Clap hands

Clapping is how we show excitement and appreciation throughout our lives and begins around the nine-to-12-month mark. It allows babies to participate in family life and group activities. Respond with encouragement and enthusiasm to give them the confidence to keep clapping.

Read their body language.

As a parent, you probably do this instinctively, but it is worth putting a label on the behaviour.

Body language communicates a baby’s needs and wants. This is as simple as a hungry baby opening their mouth and turning their head towards the breast or bottle. Sleepy babies may cry, rub their eyes, and yawn. Responding to this behaviour with love and understanding will help them feel secure and build trust in their relationship with you.

Encourage these forms of communication.

Here are some great ways to encourage your baby's use of gestures and body language:

Model gestures: Use different gestures to show your baby how to point, wave, etc.
Respond to gestures: Try not to ignore or dismiss your baby’s gestures. Respond with enthusiasm to get them to continue these actions.
Use positive reinforcement. Be sure to praise and encourage the correct gestures. This reinforces the communication and encourages them to keep using it.
Register body language: Pay attention to your baby’s body language to understand their needs and wants. Respond with care to help them feel secure and build trust.

What roles do gestures and body language play in speech development?

From Unii’s Baby Speech Journey, we share the importance of simple gestures and body language.