A baby’s first words are a magical milestone—but the path to speech begins long before they say “mama” or “dada.” From eye contact to babbling and gestures, babies are already developing the foundations of communication in their first year. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we support early speech and language development through parent coaching and early intervention for infants who may need extra help.
Why Early Speech Development Matters
The first year of life is a critical window for speech and language learning. Babies are constantly absorbing the sounds, patterns, and rhythms of speech around them. Encouraging this early communication helps babies:
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Build listening and attention skills
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Develop social-emotional bonds through eye contact and interaction
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Understand simple words and routines
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Begin to express needs through cooing, babbling, and gestures
Delays in early speech development can affect a child’s future learning, so recognizing the signs and knowing how to support development is key.
Simple Ways Parents Can Boost Speech at Home
1. Talk to Your Baby Often
Describe what you’re doing, where you’re going, and what your baby is seeing. “We’re going outside now. Look, it’s sunny!” helps your baby connect words to experiences.
2. Make Eye Contact and Wait for Responses
Pause after you speak to give your baby time to react with a sound, facial expression, or movement. This teaches turn-taking and response.
3. Use Repetitive, Fun Sounds
Babies love repetition. Say “ba-ba-ba” or “ma-ma-ma” playfully and see if your baby imitates. These sounds are stepping stones to real words.
4. Sing and Use Rhythm
Nursery rhymes, lullabies, and silly songs with hand gestures are great for learning speech patterns and improving memory.
5. Respond to All Communication Attempts
Whether it’s a coo, a smile, or a reach, respond with interest and encouragement. Every interaction builds confidence and connection.
When to Seek Help
If your baby isn’t making sounds, reacting to speech, or showing interest in faces and voices by 9 to 12 months, it may be helpful to schedule an early assessment. The sooner speech and language concerns are addressed, the better the outcomes.
How OrbRom Center Supports Babies and Parents
At OrbRom Center, our early intervention speech therapy is designed to guide parents on how to create language-rich environments at home. Our therapists use play-based strategies that encourage communication in fun, natural ways.
We focus on empowering caregivers, helping them feel confident in supporting their baby’s language journey. Whether your child is developing typically or showing early signs of delay, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
It’s never too early to start supporting speech development. With the right attention and tools, your baby will be ready to find their voice and connect with the world.
