Pregnancy
0-5 weeks
You’ll be making decisions about your baby’s health and it’s also an opportunity to consider what language you might use with your baby.
The descriptions below give you a broad indication of your child’s development.
Contact your doctor for more detailed information.
Physical Development
- At this stage the embryo is formed and embeds itself on the wall of the uterus
- The heart will be the first organ to form followed by the brain and other vital organs
- Identical twins will separate at this stage
Language development
- You will need to begin to make some important decisions with regard to your baby’s health and development at this time.
- It’s also an opportunity for you to consider your aspirations for your child in terms of the Irish language
- It’s not too early to start thinking about which language you will speak with your baby. Setting positive language relationships from the start is so important.
6-12 weeks
It’s not too early to start talking to your baby. Hearing the sound of your voice is important to the little one.
The descriptions below give you a broad indication of your child’s development
Contact your doctor for more detailed information
Physical Development
- At this stage, the brain begins to form, being one of the first organs to develop.
- When the foetus is 9 weeks old and around 2.5 cm long, it will begin to respond to noise and light.
- At 10 weeks the ears and hearing have developed.
Language Development
- It’s not too early for you to start talking to your baby. Hearing the sound of your voice is important to the little one.
- How familiar are you with lullabies? This is a good time to search for some Irish language books and CDs.
- Listen to Rabhlaí Rabhlaí here
13-20 Weeks
This is a good time to discuss language choice.
It’s good to form a habit early on.
The descriptions below give you a broad indication of your child’s development.
Contact your doctor for more information.
Physical Development
- By week 14 the mouth, tongue and throat will have developed. The foetus has all the basic equipment needed for speech.
- This is the stage at which a scan is taken – your first opportunity to see your baby!
- The baby is more active now, so you might begin to feel a few kicks and prods during this stage.
Language Development
- This is a good time to discuss language issues with your partner. How can you help each other to introduce Irish from the start?
- If you need more information on introducing Irish from the start go to www.comhluadar.ie
21-28 Weeks
The description below gives you a broad indication of your child’s development.
Contact your doctor for more detailed information.
Physical Development
- Your bump is becoming increasingly obvious at this stage, so a chance for Mam to buy maternity clothes!
- The small bones inside the baby’s ear develop at this stage and baby’s hearing develops fully.
- The sucking reflex develops and some begin to suck their thumb.
Language development
- Talking to your child is important. It will recognise your voice and the voices of other family members.
- You could start reading or singing to your child now. The baby will increasingly hear sounds from the wider world.
- Listen to Rabhlaí Rabhlai at www.oidhreacht.ie
29-40 Weeks
The descriptionsbelow gives you a broad indication of your child’s development
Contact your doctor for more information.
Physical Development
- The nerves in the brain develop at this stage. By the time the baby is full term the brain will hold over 6 million synapses. The child’s potential brain power will be enormous
- The baby’s senses will also be fully developed by this stage.
- You will feel the baby moving around as it increasingly fills the womb.
Language Development
- If you don’t speak Irish yourself why not ask relatives, friends or neighbours to speak Irish with your child when it is born?
- You might take the opportunity to get in touch with Tús Maith if you have any concerns or questions on how to introduce Irish from birth.
BABY
0-3 months
Every baby develops at it’s own pace. The following descriptions are general statements.
Don’t be alarmed if your child doesn’t follow the points below.
Language Development
- At 1 month your child will respond to noises and faces.
- At 2 months your child will smile, laugh and create interesting little noises.
- At 3 months your child will recognise your voice, your face and your body scent.
Suggestions
- Remember, how ever little Irish you may have, speaking Irish to your baby from birth is important since it gives your baby the best start in life. Get into the habit of speaking Irish from day one.
- Talk to your baby constantly. Use ‘baby talk’ and say the baby’s name often. Babies respond to a quiet, soft and high pitched voice.
- Look at your baby’s face when you speak to him.
- Remember to sing Irish language lullabies and play Rabhlaí Rabhlaí often. Babies love repetition. That’s how they learn!
BABY
4-6 Months
Every baby develops at his own pace. The following descriptions are general statements. Don’t be alarmed if your child doesn’t follow the points below.
Language Development
- At 4 months your child will start to respond when spoken to.
- At 5 months your child will recognise a few words e.g. mama or dada.
- At 6 months your child will start to mimic sounds and link words with objects, e.g. teddy and toy
SUGGESTIONS
- How about playing “Where’s the toy/” with your baby? This will help baby to recognise objects. Later on the baby will be able to name the objects.
- It’s not too soon to start teaching body parts to your baby.
Check out the body part rhyme here.
- Mimic any sounds your baby makes. This will encourage your baby to experiment more.
- Join a playgroup or consider a home visit with TÚS MAITH at this time
- Try to be as enthusiastic as possible- enthusiasm is contagious.
- GOOD LUCK!