Parenting Pointers: Promoting Speech Development for Babies

I had a late talker who still has some mild speech difference, so I know how important it can be to promote early development of oral communication skills.

I had a chance to do an interview with People Toy Company (who developed the First Words Baby Babble Training Trumpet) to learn more about promoting this important skill.

Why was this toy developed? We developed the First Words Baby Babble Training Trumpet to help children develop speech muscles through play. First words is a huge milestone for families and one that every parent wants to reach quickly. What we often forget is that like all skills, babies need to learn how to speak. Speaking is no easy task especially when you have to learn how to control all the muscles to make the right sound. One big hurdle is learning how to blow air out which is very important through speech. It is most common for babies to be able to suck air in but control outward breath is trickier. Our trumpet makes sound whether you blow in our out, and a different sound each way. Their natural curiosity will drive them to practice and learn how to do this all while having fun.

Why is it important to have toys that help work on speech muscles? Because we believe play, or having fun, is the number one way to learn. If you can make learning new skills fun, children will not associate learning or practice as being a chore but make it something that they look forward to from a young age and throughout their adult lives.

What are some other things parents can do to encourage speech development? We also tell parents that it's important to engage with and play with their child. Toys are not meant to be a babysitter for kids but a way to interact and create a close bond. Reading to them everyday, talking and using new words, showing them how to use the trumpet and taking turns are all very important. Be understanding. Every child is different and on their own timeline. Support them and most of all, have fun during playtime with your kids!

Three Ways to Help Baby Talk Early On

1. #1 Read Books - Starting with newborns, you can read anything to them. A magazine, a book, a newspaper. For the first few months babies just need to hear your voice rhythms and infections to start learning speech. After three months old, baby will be interested in seeing bright, colorful illustrations while you read. After a year old, instead of just reading the words, be more interactive when reading and point to objects while describing what you see. "I see a red ball." "Look, this bear is sitting on a couch. Silly bear." 
2. #2 Narrate Often - Narrating is very important and exposes your baby to a lot of words – and most important quality words. There are two types of narration including self-talk and then narrating your child’s actions."Your diaper is wet. It's time to change your diaper! First we take your diaper off, then we wipe. The diaper goes in the trash. Now it's time to put a new diaper on."You are hungry. Time to eat! You are drinking your bottle. It's yummy. All done! You are now full and getting sleepy."
3. #3 Choose PAL Award Winning Toys - The PAL Awards (Play Advances Language) is an amazing resource to find reviews on exceptional toys, games, and books that encourage language, spark fun, and invite creative play. The CEO and Founder, Sherry Y. Artemenko MA, CCC, SLP, has helped children for 35 years and her award-winning speech therapy site has a motto I love: “Play Advances Language”

The First Words Baby Babble Training Trumpet by People Toy Company recently won a PAL award.
People Toy Company has a line of toys called Brain Builders, the best developmental toys for baby to help them develop and reach milestones faster.

First Words Baby Babble Training Trumpet is a developmental toy to help babies talk for these five reasons:

1. Turn baby babble into first words - “When babies round their lips to attach to the mouthpiece, they are exercising important oral motor muscles for speech that contribute to the production of the sounds ‘u, p, b. and m.’ As their speech muscles strengthen, they are able to combine sounds and finally say first words around one year of age,” shares Sherry Artemenko, Play On Words Founder & CEO.
2. Two Way Whistle - As baby blows out or sucks in, the toy makes a unique whistle noise that plays music.
3. Playful Beads & Familiar Shape - Babies love cups so this toy shaped like a sippy cup is really genius. The colorful beads stimulate baby as they move the toy while adding a cool bead sound and depth while playing.
4. Easy to hold and Carry - The toy has two handles so it’s easy for baby to grip and hold. Plus, it can attach to the stroller or diaper bag for easy carrying (clip sold separately).
5. Long-Lasting Value - Here’s a great bonus feature…older toddlers love playing with this toy! 

Playonwords.com is a great place to find the best toys that help develop language in babies and toddlers.

About People Toy Company
People Toy Company is known for their amazing magnetic blocks called People Blocks, natural toys made of rice called MOCHI toys, and their infamous Brain Builders toys (the best developmental toys for baby to help them develop and reach milestones faster). Each toy is broken down into an age category and shows what type of skills the toy helps baby to learn. All the toys by people Toy Company are tested by real moms and kids before reaching the market.