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Writer's pictureAnna Blankenship

Nurturing Bilingual Babies: Practical Tips for Early Language Exposure

Updated: Jan 2

Parenthood is one of the wildest yet rewarding jobs, and while it is hard, we seek to be the best parents we can be. One of the most precious and useful gifts we can impart to our children is giving them unique abilities to better navigate the world with languages. An early language exposure lays the foundation to a life of bilingualism, which can impact children with cognitive and cultural benefits as previously discussed. Today's blog post is formatted a bit differently in order to give parents, or future parents, and even family practical tips for nurturing bilingualism in babies.



1. Start Early and Start Simple:

  • Tip: Begin introducing languages from the moment your baby is born (and even earlier).

  • Explanation: Babies are like sponges, absorbing information from their surroundings, this is how they learn their world! Start with simple words and phrases in both languages, creating a rich linguistic environment. One common tactic among bilingual families is the "one parent, one language," where each parent interacts with the baby is a different language. Oh, and expecting mamas, many studies have found that babies begin "taking in" their world while still in the womb. If you speak multiple languages, you could begin exposure before they are born!

2. Consistency is Key:

  • Tip: Maintain consistency in language use to avoid confusion.

  • Explanation: Choose specific contexts or times to use each language consistently. For example, one language at home and another outside. This helps babies associate each language with a distinct setting. Aside from the "one parent, one language," some families can choose particular days for the less dominant language such as on the weekend. Just ensure it is consistent; celebrate it or mark it on a calendar to not forget!

3. Engage in Multisensory Interaction:

  • Tip: Combine language with actions, gestures, and facial expressions.

  • Explanation: Multisensory experiences enhance language learning. Pairing words with gestures and expressions aids comprehension and strengthens the connection between language and the world around them. Gestures and facial expressions can be more prevalent and relevant in certain cultures compared to others. Don't forget these as they are a part of the language and the culture.

4. Use Music and Rhymes:

  • Tip: Incorporate bilingual songs and rhymes into daily routines.

  • Explanation: Music has a unique way of capturing a baby's attention. Bilingual songs expose them to the rhythm and melody of different languages, making language learning enjoyable. Music and songs easily become a part of daily lives with toddlers, starting as babies with multiple languages can reduce the stress of a change in routine should you try to adopt new songs when they are a bit older.

5. Read Bilingual Books Aloud:

  • Tip: Read bilingual books with enthusiasm and expression.

  • Explanation: Reading aloud is a powerful tool for language development. Choose books that present stories in both languages, making the reading experience interactive and engaging. Children love books, with big colorful images, and introducing bilingual books early can ensure the two languages are normal in books. Once they are a bit older, they can begin to point at the pictures and say what they are in both languages.

6. Encourage Language Play:

  • Tip: Create a playful language environment.

  • Explanation: Encourage babbling, cooing, and eventually, word formation in both languages. Celebrate language play as an early sign of their bilingual journey. This can also look like using colors or animal names in both languages depending on their toys.

7. Facilitate Social Interaction:

  • Tip: Expose babies to native speakers of each language.

  • Explanation: Social interaction exposes babies to different accents, tones, and styles of language use. It contributes to their understanding of language in real-world contexts. Find other like-moms to have play dates, even while your child is still a baby.

8. Celebrate Milestones in Both Languages:

  • Tip: Acknowledge and celebrate developmental milestones in both languages.

  • Explanation: Recognizing achievements in each language reinforces the value and importance of both languages in your child's life. Different traditions depending on culture for different milestones? Incorporate both! Someone's birthday? Sing both "Happy Birthday" songs!

9. Utilize Technology Mindfully:

  • Tip: Introduce age-appropriate bilingual apps and videos.

  • Explanation: While face-to-face interaction is crucial, well-designed bilingual apps and videos can complement language exposure, providing additional sources of vocabulary and cultural context. Watch educational videos that nurture two languages or watch specific cartoons in a particular language.

10. Create a Language-Rich Environment:

  • Tip: Label objects and create language-rich surroundings.

  • Explanation: Surround your baby with visual cues in both languages. Labeling everyday items helps reinforce vocabulary and facilitates language recognition. Once they are a toddler and should you introduce visual aids, such as bedtime routines or a "today" chart with date and weather info, incorporate both languages.

Remember, the journey to bilingualism is a gradual process, and every interaction matters. By incorporating these practical tips into your daily routines, you're not just fostering language skills but you're opening doors to a world of cognitive, cultural, and linguistic enrichment for your little one. As you embark on this bilingual adventure together, cherish the joy of watching your baby's language abilities flourish.

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