Language Development



			A child's language development is more than just learning to say: "Mama" or "Dada." It also includes developing the ability to listen, to understand what is said, and to speak to others. During the second year, toddlers increasingly associate words with objects and people: "cup", dad says as he fills it with juice. In time they learn that a cup is "a container", it holds things, as do pots, jars, and

bottles. Toddlers' first and most frequent words typically relate to their knowledge (mom, dad, dog). First words often label or define a toy or a person. Toddlers eventually develops the ability to see and understand the use of written language and to write and read. We call this language-related learning "emergent literacy."

Language development typically involves good vision and hearing. It is also important for the child to be physically healthy so he can concentrate on learning language. Good Nutrition will provide your infant or toddler with the energy he needs during this important developmental phase. Good nutrition is providing the recommended nutrients, carbohydrate, fat, protein, and vitamins and minerals to meet the demands of the growing infant or toddler.

Enfamil® NEXT STEP® LIPIL® formula and NEXT STEP ProSobee® LIPIL® formula offer balanced nutrition for the developing toddler. Enfamil formulas include LIPIL, a blend of DHA and ARA, that supports brain and eye development. Clinical studies demonstrate a visual improvement with the levels of DHA and ARA used in Enfamil LIPIL formulas.1-5

You can take a positive role by talking to your child often. Talk to your child as you perform everyday activities. Tell him about brushing teeth or pouring a glass of milk. Explain to him what you are doing as you do it. Speak clearly and look at your child as you speak. Keep your face at a comfortable distance so he can see you and hear your words.

Include your child in conversations and speak to his level of understanding. With toddlers, you should stress the syllables.

Be sure to talk with your toddler frequently and listen to what he says to you. You will be surprised at the interesting conversations the two of you will have.

If your child has difficulty pronouncing some words, do not point out his mistakes. Simply repeat the whole sentence back using the appropriate words.

Read to your child every day. Children who learn to read early and easily are those who were read to at home. As he shows an interest in writing, provide him with writing materials and time and space to scribble, pretend to write, and, eventually, to write.

References

1.	BirchEE, Hoffman DR, Uauy RD, Birch DG, Prestidge C. Visual acuity and the essentiality of docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acid in the diets of term infants. Pediatr Res. 1998:44(2):201-209.
2.	Birch EE, Garfield S, Hoffman DR, Uauy RD, Birch DG. A randomized controlled trial of early dietary supply of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and mental development in term infants. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2000;42:174-181.
3.	Birch EE, Hoffman DR, Castañeda YS, Fawcett SL, Birch DG, Uauy RD. A randomized controlled trial of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation of formula in term infants after weaning at 6 wk of age. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002;75:570-580.
4.	Hoffman DR, Birch EE, Castañeda YS, et al. Visual function in breast-fed term infants weaned to formula with or without long-chain polyunsaturates at 4 to 6 months: a randomized clinical trial. J Pediatr. 2003;142(6):669-677.
5.	Hoffman DR, Birch EE, Castañeda YS, et al. Maturation of visual and mental function in 18-month-old infants receiving dietary long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. FASEB. 3002;17(Abst. 445.1):A727-A728 (abstr).

Activities that promote Language Development
Resources for Children
Resources for Parents and Care Givers

Enfamil Next Step LIPIL and Next Step ProSobee LIPIL