Research indicates that 'parentese' — simplified, emphasis-heavy speech directed at babies — actually supports language acquisition rather than hindering it, contrary to common parental concerns about confusing children.

The Conversation

Emphasizing the sounds of certain words to young children can help them retain language, not confuse them about speaking properly.  MoMo Productions/DigitalVision via Getty Images
Many parents have heard the warning: Don’t use baby talk with babies and toddlers. Instead, caregivers are often encouraged to speak properly and use adultlike language, out of concern that simplified speech could confuse children or delay language development.  
But my research, which I highlighted in in my new book, 