If you’ve ever found yourself naturally raising your pitch, slowing down, and exaggerating your words when talking to your baby—you are already using parentese. And guess what? Science shows that this style of talking is not just cute, it’s actually one of the best ways to build your baby’s communication and language skills.

I love teaching families about parentese because it is something you can start using right away, without any special materials. All you need is your voice and your attention.

What Exactly Is Parentese?

Parentese is a way of speaking to babies that is:

High-pitched but still clear (not “baby talk” with made-up words, but real language).
Exaggerated in tone with lots of ups and downs in your voice.
Slow and sing-songy, giving your baby time to process.
Repetitive and clear, so your baby hears words often.

Think of it as “musical talking.” Instead of saying, “That’s a dog,” in your regular voice, you might say: “Thaaat’s a DOOOG! Woof, woof, dog!”

It is not about making up silly nonsense words. It is about using real words in a way that is easier for babies to tune into and understand.

Why Is Parentese So Important?

Research shows that babies whose parents use parentese develop stronger early communication skills, including:

Better attention skills. Babies are more likely to look at your face and focus on your words when you use parentese.
Stronger brain connections. The exaggerated pitch and slower pace make it easier for their brains to process sounds.
Early language growth. Babies exposed to parentese hear more words, which sets the stage for stronger vocabulary later.
Turn-taking skills. Parentese naturally invites back-and-forth exchanges, even before your baby can talk.

Parentese is like a language “supercharger.” It helps babies tune in, connect, and start building the foundation for speech.

Tips and Tricks for Using Parentese at Home

Here are some simple ways to work parentese into your daily routines:

1. Face-to-Face Moments

Get down at your baby’s level, make eye contact, and exaggerate your voice.

Script Example:
Parent: “Hiiiii, baby! Look at your toes! Tooooes! Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle!”

2. Narrate Your Day

Talk through what you are doing in an animated way.

Script Example:
Parent: “We’re changing your diaper. Diaper ON! Snap, snap, snap! All done, yay!”

3. Use Repetition

Repeat key words several times in a row so they stick.

Script Example:
Parent: “Ball! Ball, ball, ball! Roll the ball! Wheee, ball!”

4. Play with Sounds

Do not be afraid to exaggerate animal sounds, vehicle noises, or environmental sounds.

Script Example:
Parent: “The car goes vrrroooom! VROOOM! Vroom, vroom!”

5. Pause for Turn-Taking

After you say something in parentese, pause and wait. Your baby might coo, babble, smile, or kick in response.

Script Example:
Parent: “Do you see the kitty? Kiiittyyy… Meow!” (pause, wait for baby’s response)
Then: “Yes! You saw the kitty!”

Everyday Opportunities to Use Parentese

Mealtime: “Mmm, yummy banana! Banana, banana, banana!”
Bath time: “Splash, splash, splaaaash! You’re splashing the water!”
Car rides: “Go, go, go in the caaaar! Car goes vroom!”
Bedtime: “Night-night, baby. Night-night, sleeeep.”

These little bursts of parentese are short, but powerful. They do not have to be long conversations, just seconds here and there throughout your day.

A Gentle Reminder

Parentese does not mean you need to be “on” every second of the day. Use it in natural bursts, when you are feeding, changing, or playing. Babies also need quiet time to look around and process.

The beauty of parentese is that it is built into everyday interactions. By exaggerating your pitch, slowing down, and repeating words, you are turning ordinary moments into powerful opportunities for language growth.

Final Thoughts

Your voice is one of the most important tools for building your baby’s communication skills. When you use parentese, you are not just entertaining your baby. You are teaching them how conversations work, helping them recognize words, and giving them a strong foundation for language.

So the next time you catch yourself speaking in that sing-songy, high-pitched way, embrace it! You are not being silly; you are being a language coach for your baby.

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Disclaimer: This article offers general educational information. It is not a substitute for professional evaluation or treatment. Please consult a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist for personalized concerns regarding your child’s speech development.