Baba Dada Babbles
Here's What To Do
1
Throughout the day, emphasize double consonant words in your natural conversations. Examples of double consonant words:
- Mama
- Dada
- Nana
- Uh oh!
- Bye-bye
2
If I'm making a longer babble like "bababababa," repeat the shorter two-syllable word like "baba" and see if I'll copy you.
3
Play a fun repeating game. Say a double consonant word into an empty paper towel roll or empty plastic container. This will make it sound funny! See if I'll repeat the word into the roll or container.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Get down at my level and make eye contact when we're babbling together.
E
Engage:
- "Uh oh, you dropped the ball. It's fun to say: Uh oh, uh oh!"
- "Nana! Can you say 'nana'?"
E
Encourage:
- It is more difficult for me to say the shorter version of consonant babbles (for example: "mamamamama" is easier for me to say than "mama"). If I say the two-syllable version, celebrate!
- I may not copy the sounds you make, and that's okay! Instead, have babbling "conversations" with me by imitating a sound I make, and then waiting for a reply.
R
Reflect:
- Am I able to make any double-consonant babble sounds?
Not quite ready?
Encourage me to make longer strings of consonant sounds, like "dadadada."
Ready for more?
Encourage me to babble with more difficult sounds like "ta," "na," "ga," and "ka."
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to shorten their babbles into two-syllable sounds.