Though your baby is still trying to tell you what's going on by crying, she's also learning to communicate in other ways. Those adorable grunts, gurgles and coos are baby's way of experimenting with that tiny mouth, tongue and throat, and discovering which combination of actions makes what sounds.

The best way to encourage more communication from your sweet talker is to keep the conversation going. So go ahead and coo and gurgle right back!

Matching coo-for-coo will be extraordinarily satisfying for your cutie, and will coax your baby into continuing those verbal explorations that will eventually lead to the first meaningful "Mama" or "Dada."

And while speaking your baby's language is important, equally important is speaking your language. Babies learn by imitation, so be sure to talk up a storm while you're changing diapers (“What cute little toes!”), while you're out on a walk (“It's such a sunny day”), and while you're shopping (“This red tomato looks so yummy!”).

Of course, your baby has no idea what you're saying — yet. But she’s soaking up every syllable that’s spoken, and hearing you talk is the best way to help your little one’s speech develop.

Is your little one not "saying much" yet? Not to worry. Some babies take their good ol' time in the words department, and that’s perfectly normal too. She'll start baby-talking over the next few months. As always, check in with your pediatrician if you're concerned.