How to speak to a one-year-old?

[Rainbow Dash]

I've been babysitting my mum's friend's daughter a lot recently. She's one. I just don't know if I'm speaking to her right. I will tell her the colours of her bag, tell her how a TV works (lol don't ask) and tell her what an umbrella does. There was a woman on TV who was doing sign language and I told her it's to help deaf people and explained to her what it's like to be deaf.

I know she doesn't understand but I just think it's better to teach children things when they're young. I think most children are cleverer than people give them credit for. I just don't know if I'm expecting too much of a one-year-old All she can say is "mum", "hello" and "yes"

Edit: Oh. She did say "car"

[Skeleton]

I think your doing okay with what you're saying. I agree that they could possibly understand you a little bit but they can't really respond or anything like that so just simple things like the colours of items etc. are probably good enough.

[Squiggly]

I think that she probably is a little too young to be understanding what you are saying when you talk about deaf people or how the tv works but there is no harm in explaining it to her anyways just in case . And some people believe it helps them learn things quicker if you talk to them somewhat normally and not with a baby voice. Although I find a lot of young baby's under a year love being talked to in a funny voice it makes them smile and laugh and what's the harm in that? Sorry I think I was mostly babbling but anyways to the point I think you are doing just fine .

[blumemusik♫]

Yeah, I wouldn't dumb it down too much! If people were spoken to from birth in "gagas" and "googoos" then that'd be our new language really!
Haha, I think you're doing okay Especially the colours thing, because that's the type of thing they'd pick up on <3

[Jocelyn.]

In my opinion a one year old can understand so much more than what they are able to communicate. Not saying she probably understands what you are saying when you tell her how a TV works lol, but it definitely gets her mind moving. At one year old I was basically just explaining things and naming things just like what you've said you are doing. I would name colors, animals, shapes, etc. I'd also point out things while we were out like "See the cars?" or "Is that a bird in the sky?" or "Do you hear that train/ambulance/plane..?" I never really talked to my son like a baby, although I did throw in funny words and sounds just to get a laugh out of him, which he also loved!

[leavemealone]

Of course your speaking to her right! babies understand more than you know! Speak to her as you would speak to any other person, but baby it up a little. Sing some songs, dance a little. Its so cute when babies dance, they shake their hips. Teach her how to clap. Just have fun with her, and she'll have fun with you. Of course she wont be able to respond when you talk to her, but when you speak words shes actually learning how to speak herself. Shes getting to the age where shes going to copy everything everyone does. Teaching her early things is going to give her a head start! I've been wanting to start babysitting myself too, but I just don't know how to get the word out haha, have fun with her though! This is a really fun age

[Aletheia*]

I agree that what you're saying is fine. Children will respond to anything you say: whether you're talking to them like a baby or talking to them like you normally would an adult. However, make sure programs you're watching on TV and everything you say is appropriate. Children will pick up on things as they ARE a lot smarter than people give them credit for. Since it's your mother's friends daughter, be careful not to swear in front of her. She's learning words, and she could VERY easily pick up on some bad words her mother won't appreciate very much.

[Rainbow Dash]

We were watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and then dancing to Lady GaGa on the radio so I think that was fine

I always try my hardest not to swear in front of kids, I normally just say "oh oh" if something bad happens