Your baby, even if it seems very small, is able to understand the meaning of no, especially when we have been the ones who taught it. Before the child reaches his first year of life, he can understand many things and even a newborn is able to distinguish the mother tongue and its main sounds, including NO.

Knowing that our little one can understand the meaning of this word allows us to use it appropriately, as it warns us that it is preferable to use it wisely and only when it is absolutely necessary. In this sense, although we are not sure if the baby understands the prohibitions, it is important to make better use of them.

On the other hand, without actually asking ourselves about the effect that NO is having on our child, we tend to put limitations on things that are actually simple. For this reason, the child adapts to this sound and begins to relate it to something that is denied for some reason.

The usefulness of this information is decided by the parents, but it could also be food for thought if we feel that we have abused the term. According to studies, it can be assured that by fifteen months, most babies understand the meaning of NO; another 50% are able to understand it by eight months of age.

However, despite the fact that the results do not indicate that a newborn understands denial, it is known that he is cognitively capable of relating a large part of the sounds that make up his mother’s speech. That said, we can begin to clearly incorporate many of the terms that we want the baby to learn, including NO.

How to teach him the meaning of NO?

The main use that this word should have in the education of children is to prevent them from being involved in risky situations, even without knowing if they understand us. For example, we are used to telling him not to put his hands to his mouth or not to pull our hair, but we usually do not give him an explanation or complement with any action.

In order for the meaning of this word to be understood more precisely, it is recommended that it be done firmly, directly towards the baby and clear enough for them to distinguish the sound. It is important that we do not use it indiscriminately, only when we want to prevent something bad from happening.

A better effect is produced if we look directly at it, avoid getting upset and use short phrases. The accompaniment of the word with an action that indicates what we want to prohibit, also allows a better understanding; as long as it is a simple and smooth movement.

Although the baby can understand NO before it can be noticed ; It is important that we do not lose patience. Let us remember that the effect of our action will not be immediate, since constant and conscious repetition is necessary.

Is it important for the baby to understand the meaning of NO?

Some specialists argue that we should avoid saying no to children to a great extent, in part because it is a repressive word and capable of causing frustration. However, healthy prohibitions are essential to establish limits, educate children and take care of them ; For this reason, although with caution, it is always convenient to say a NO in time.

In the same way, getting the little one to understand the meaning of this word before twelve months can be a great advantage, since the moment when he begins to walk is approaching and he becomes somewhat more independent. In this particular, the “no” is necessary both for the safety of the child and that of the adults in their care.

Another factor to be agreed is that the use of this word is established at the family level, so that it means the same for everyone. Thus, family education is based on the same conditions for all members; this with the purpose that the meaning of the prohibition begins to permeate.

Rather than saying no to everything, it is advisable to establish norms based on NO ; as to indicate that the plugs should not be touched, it does not bite, the walls do not get dirty and other general rules of coexistence. Let us remember that it is always preferable to educate them than to punish them and in any case, first the use of the reward is considerable.