Learning to use language is one of the most important pursuits of early childhood. Adequate communication skills can prevent frustration and improve quality of life.

Babies are born with an instinct to communicate — and since they cannot use words, crying is their primary means of communication. Babies have different cries for being hungry, needing a diaper change and wanting a parent or caregiver close. At first, it may not be easy to recognize each cry, but once you do, it will benefit you and your baby. Giving a newborn what he needs helps in building a strong bond.

A newborn recognizes voices heard before she was born. Your baby’s environment needs to be “rich in language,” with many experiences of sounds, not noise.

The development of language passes through distinct stages but it’s important to remember that each baby develops at his or her own pace. Around 3 to 6 months, she may begin to make cooing or babbling noises. It may not seem like a big deal at first; these noises mean your baby has been soaking up all the language she’s been surrounded by.

Babies need to see you make words, watch your expressions and hear the sounds. Then your baby will put these associations together in the process of learning language. Responding to her attempts at communicating shows that you are listening.

Contrary to popular belief, using television to entertain children younger than 2 does not increase their language development. Recent studies show that TV-viewing tends to decrease babies’ likelihood of learning new words, talking, playing and otherwise interacting with others. The more time babies spend in front of the screen, the more their language, cognitive and social development may suffer. Since parents are their child’s first and most important teacher, they have the greatest ability to shape and support language development.

In order for a baby to develop language skills, he or she must be able to hear properly. If you suspect your baby’s language is not developing as expected, talk to your child’s pediatrician or your Maine Families parent educator. Ask for a hearing checkup.

If you or someone you know is pregnant or has a newborn at home and would like information about the Teen and Young Parent Program or Maine Families home visiting program, call 594-1980 or toll-free 1-(877) 972- 5804. Enrollment takes place prenatally up to 3 months old.

Enrolled families get research-based, up-to-date information on subjects such as gross motor, routines, eating, social and emotional development and more.

ADRIENNE RANDALL, of Rockland, is community education assistant for University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Teen and Young Parent Program.