Repeat and expand toddler utterances. At the end of the fi rst year, infants may begin to say their first words. Simply use their word in a w ay that seems to make sense: “Mama!” exclaims Diedra. Her...

Repeat and expand toddler utterances. At the end of the fi rst year, infants may begin to say their first words. Simply use their word in a w ay that seems to make sense: “Mama!” exclaims Diedra. Her caregiver responds, “Mama’s gone to work.” Sometimes people outside the family do not readily recognize a bab y’s word; family members must be consulted if the word is used regularly. “Manky” may mean a particular blanket; “Doe” may mean, “Look at that.” In either case, respond with words such as “Do you want your blanket?” or “Blanket?”