Baby talk (better known as “child-directed speech” or “Parentese”) is the natural way many people speak with babies or toddlers – for example, using higher pitch, sing-song tones, slower rates, and simpler language.
In recent years, more people have chosen to speak to their baby or very young child in a “normal” way, like you would with a primary school child. This is a valid personal choice.
However, if you use correct baby talk instead, rest assured that you are not in any way holding back your child’s language development; quite the opposite, actually. It helps babies and toddlers tune in to what you’re saying and figure out what words mean. Over time, it also helps them learn how to say words.
Word of caution: baby talk is NOT the same as using baby-ish pronunciation (e.g. “hewwo widdle doggie-woggie” for “hello little doggie”) when talking to your child.