Should You Be Using Baby Talk?

Speaking to a baby in a high-pitched baby voice is more likely to get his attention than if you use your normal adult voice, say Canadian researchers.

Babies, it seems, are more interested in hearing from other babies (or adults who imitate them) than from adults, according to research in the journal Developmental Science. In a series of experiments, babies listened to a repeating vowel sound that mimicked those made by an adult woman or by another baby, while their attention spans were measured. Babies paid attention to the baby vowels almost 40 percent longer than the adult ones and showed their preference by smiling or moving their mouths as they listened.

Researchers suggest babies appreciate other baby sounds as a way to become aware of their own voices.