Premature Infants Benefit From Adult Talk

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - You may feel foolish talking to your unborn baby and tiny infant but, according to an article in the journal Pediatrics, it may pay off!

Premature infants who are exposed to more adult talk early in life have higher language scores later in life.

All babies benefit from hearing adult voices but, according to this study, the premature babies benefit the most.

Researchers used digital recording devices placed near 36 pre-term infants to record both adult speech and infant vocal sounds at two different time points. They found that increasing amounts of adult speech improved language scores.

So, do not be embarrassed: talk to your babies early and often.

By the way, I am always in favor of studies where there is no down side at all.