Before my first baby was born, before I’d even decided on a name or figured out which diapers to use, there was one thing I knew for sure: that little girl was going to be bilingual.

While I was filled with excitement about this goal, I also felt a wave of uncertainty. How was I going to raise a bilingual child? It was uncharted territory for me.

I became bilingual in my late elementary years, after my monolingual parents enrolled me in a dual-language school. My own journey to bilingualism was unique, and it was different from the experience I wanted for my daughter.

So, I dove in. I read everything I could get my hands on—books, articles, studies—anything about bilingualism. The more I learned, the more overwhelmed I became. It was a topic I felt passionate about, but the information was vast and often contradictory.

Then, the best advice I received came from my mom—my daughter’s abuelita, who only speaks Spanish. She told me, “If you want your child to be bilingual, you need to be intentional, creative, and start as soon as you hold that baby in your arms.”

Her words stuck with me. It was simple yet profound: the key wasn’t in perfect methods or strategies—it was in the commitment to make bilingualism a natural, integrated part of our everyday life. And with that clarity, I was ready to embark on this journey.

Raising a bilingual child is one of the most rewarding gifts you can give them—and it’s a journey that can strengthen not just their communication skills, but their connection to their culture, family, and identity. As an immigrant mom, I’ve always known the importance of keeping my heritage alive through language, and I want to share with you how I’ve approached raising my kids to speak both Spanish and English fluently. It’s not always easy, but I promise it’s worth every moment.

Here are three tips that have worked for me and my family:

3 Ways to Raise a Bilingual Baby

So how do you start? It’s super easy. At the beginning all you need to do is to talk, sing, and read to your baby… in the target language.

1. Speak Your Heart Language at Home

Growing up, my family spoke Spanish at home, and even though I was immersed in English once I entered school, my parents never wavered in their commitment to speaking our language. This created a strong bond to my roots and a deep sense of pride in being bilingual.

I’ve carried that tradition into my own home. For us, Spanish is more than just words; it’s a way of expressing love, culture, and connection. Even when my kids hear English everywhere else, they know that Spanish is the language of our family. I encourage you to make your home a safe space where your child can hear and practice your native language. Whether it’s through storytelling, singing, or casual conversations, being consistent and loving about it makes a big difference.

Tip for parents: Don’t stress if your child responds in English sometimes. Keep speaking your heart language, and they’ll naturally begin to respond in it too.

2. Create Opportunities for Your Child to Use Spanish Outside the Home

It’s not enough to just speak Spanish at home—it’s essential to surround your child with opportunities to use it in different settings. I always encourage my kids to connect with other Spanish-speaking children and adults. It could be through playdates, family gatherings, or community events. We also make trips to Ecuador when we can, and seeing their grandparents and extended family speaking Spanish helps them understand that language is a bridge to both family and the world.

Incorporating bilingual books, TV shows, and music into your child’s daily routine also helps them see that Spanish isn’t just for home. It’s a part of the bigger world, and it can be fun! I love watching my kids sing along to villancicos or learn new phrases from their favorite cartoons.

Tip for parents: Set up “Spanish-only” days where your family communicates exclusively in Spanish. It can be a fun challenge, and it helps your child immerse themselves in the language.

3. Make Language Learning Fun, Not a Chore

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to keep language learning playful and positive. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking it’s a “school task,” but bilingualism is a gift, not an obligation. My kids love when we play games that require them to use both languages—whether it’s board games, cards, or even digital apps that focus on language skills. We also have a collection of children’s books in Spanish, and I make reading time a bonding experience, not just a lesson in vocabulary.

You don’t need fancy classes or resources to make language learning fun. Simple activities like cooking together, labeling objects around the house in Spanish, or sharing stories about family traditions in both languages can make all the difference. Here are some of our favorite books: “Los Pollitos,” “Ratoncitos” or “Elefantitos” 

Tip for parents: Be patient with yourself and your child. There will be days when it feels like progress is slow, but those small moments add up to a lifetime of benefits.

Related Post: 15 Traditional Nursery Rhymes in Spanish

What is your favorite way to raise bilingual kids?