Word of the Week: Crib Talk

Crib talk is when young children talk to themselves before sleep. Starting at around age one-and-a-half, and ending around two-and-a-half, toddlers commonly narrate events, repeat things they have heard, or create imaginary situations. These monologues include elements of conversation and turn-taking. Crib talk is also common in Deaf children, who speak to themselves in signs and watch their fingers as they fall asleep.

Crib talk is thought to be an import part of language development, where children can practice pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. It is also a way that children process their experiences and feelings. By recounting experiences in an unstructured way, children have an opportunity to interpret them and develop a sense of self.