Which of the following is a benefit of talking to infants?

Talking to infants significantly enhances language development, which is a critical aspect of their overall cognitive and social growth. When caregivers engage in verbal communication with infants, they not only provide a rich linguistic environment but also model the structure, tone, and rhythm of language. This interaction helps infants learn to associate sounds with meaning, encourages them to respond through cooing or babbling, and ultimately supports the formation of vocabulary as they grow.

Language development is foundational for later skills in reading and writing, as well as for effective communication. Research shows that the more conversations caregivers have with infants, the better prepared those infants will be for learning language and literacy skills in the future. Additionally, talking to infants can help them develop social skills and emotional regulation by fostering a sense of connection and attachment.

While the other options may have some relevance in the context of child development, they do not directly address the core benefit of verbal interaction with infants in the same way that language development does.