The development of speech in babies is an exciting and fascinating phenomenon to observe. One of the signs of this evolution is the clicking of the tongue, which typically appears between the ages of 6 and 12 months. This gesture is full of meanings, ranging from the expression of emotions to the exploration of their sound environment. In this article, we will understand when babies start producing these delicate tongue clicks and the different reasons that motivate them to do so.
When does a baby start to make tongue clicks?
Babies do not all develop at the same pace, but the clicking of the tongue is often observed between 6 and 12 months. At this stage of their lives, little ones become curious and experiment with their voices and the sounds around them. This moment is crucial, as children try to communicate their desires, emotions, and begin to imitate the sounds they hear in their environment.
Sounds produced before the tongue clicking
Before mastering the clicking of the tongue, babies go through different sound stages. Initially, they cry to express their needs, then around 2 to 3 months, they start to coo, producing varied sounds. Between 4 and 6 months, their babbling grows richer, incorporating vowels and consonants, allowing them to form syllables like “ma-ma” or “ba-ba”.
Why does a baby click their tongue?
There are several reasons a baby might click their tongue. It is a way to explore, to communicate, or even to stimulate their oral skills. Each of these reasons plays a role in their early development.
Exploration and imitation
The clicking of the tongue is often a reflection of the sound exploration that the baby engages in. When they hear this sound around them, they are naturally attracted to it and may try to imitate it. This imitation contributes to their learning, making each interaction richer.
Communication
Long before using words, babies find ways to communicate their needs. The clicking of the tongue can be a way for them to attract the attention of their loved ones or express a desire, such as wanting to be fed. Associated with mealtime, this sound can become a common behavior in some babies.
Oral stimulation and the development of oral motor skills
Clicking the tongue also allows babies to develop their oral motor skills. This playful exercise trains the muscles needed for forming future words and shapes their ability to articulate as they grow.
How to encourage the baby to click their tongue?
To support this wonderful skill, parents can implement some playful activities. This will facilitate sound exploration and enrich communication between the baby and their surroundings.
Play with sounds and imitate them
When a baby makes a clicking of the tongue, responding by imitating the sound can create a true sound exchange. This game of reciprocity motivates the baby to continue experimenting with their voice.
Introduce them to other people who make this sound
Babies learn a lot through imitation. Exposing them to other people, especially those who click their tongues, encourages them to reproduce these sounds more frequently.
Tell stories that include tongue clicking
Stories that incorporate varied sounds, including the clicking of the tongue, make listening captivating. This not only stimulates their hearing but also awakens their curiosity for language and words.
When to consult a professional?
It is advisable to remain vigilant regarding your baby’s sound development. If no new sounds are produced or if persistent difficulties arise, consulting a specialist such as a speech therapist can be beneficial.
Signs that may indicate a development problem
Absences of cooing or babbling after 9 months can be concerning. Difficulties in producing varied sounds should not be overlooked.
The clicking of the tongue, although often light, is an intriguing step in the linguistic journey of babies. It represents both a new form of communication and a stimulating game through sounds. Encourage your little one to explore this ability and have fun in this learning process!
