When you are expecting a baby, you no doubt envision those big milestones in your baby's development - the first attempts at crawling, the first steps, the first time your child calls you "mama". Those milestones may still seem very far away, but a baby does learn a lot during the first year.

Communication is one of the areas in which your child will progress in leaps and bounds. This is a good thing, because a crying baby can unnerve even the calmest person. They can't tell you what is wrong, so the diaper has to be checked, they might be hungry, or something else might be wrong. It's far more reassuring when your child can let you know what they need in a simpler manner.

Apart from practical considerations, it is a joy to teach a baby to talk. It's fun to help them identify the amazing world around them, and to be able to, step by little step, converse with them.

There are ways in which you can help your baby develop their language skills. Of course, each baby is different and each baby's development is different. This is nothing to worry about. They'll manage just fine in their own way.

It is always helpful to talk with your baby. This allows your child to become familiar with the sound of your voice, and will help him to learn and recognise words. Experts say that a baby will be able to understand the language a good while before they'll be able to speak.

Similarly, reading stories and singing songs can be helpful. The more you communicate with your child, the sooner he'll learn to understand you. Songs are great for this, as they tend to contain a lot of repetition, which babies are sensitive to.

Listen to your baby and acknowledge his ways of communicating with you. Look at him when he is cooing and making up his own words. You can also respond in your own way, and have conversations in this manner.

When your baby turns away from you and stops communicating, do give him some space and don't force him. We all need a break from time to time!

When your child is curious about objects around him, point them out and name them. Repeat this as many times as he seems interested in this "game". Again, the repetition will be helpful and will assist your baby in naming what is around him.

Don't forget to point out yourself and other family members. The first time your baby addresses you as his mother is an amazing, heart-warming experience.