A Bedtime Adventure with a Twist: Our Experience with Your Baby’s First Word Will Be DADA
As a mom, I often find myself knee-deep in the beautiful chaos of bedtime routines—juggling snacks, snuggles, and the ever-popular negotiation over which book to read. Recently, after a particularly rambunctious day, I found myself craving a quiet moment with my little ones. That’s when I stumbled upon Your Baby’s First Word Will Be DADA by Jimmy Fallon. With all the hype surrounding it, I thought, “What could be more delightful than a playful read about Dada vs. Mama at this hour?” And oh, was I in for a treat!
This charming book dives into the lighthearted competition of who gets to claim the title of "first word" in a baby’s life. Spoiler alert: Dada’s got this one covered, thanks to a secret campaign waged by fathers everywhere. Fallon tells this story in a way that immediately draws you in. The repetition and rhythm of the text made it an instant hit with my kiddos, who giggled and cooed at the joyful antics. As we turned page after page, the premise had us all chiming in, "Dada!" in various silly voices.
The illustrations by Miguel Ordóñez are equally captivating. Each page bursts with vibrant colors and adorable characters that perfectly complement Fallon’s playful prose. My three-year-old pointed out the cartoonish dad characters, doubling over in laughter at their exaggerated expressions. “Look at that Dada!” she exclaimed, echoing the book’s infectious energy. Moments like these reminded me why reading together is not just about the words but the shared laughter and connection.
One of the sweetest moments came when my youngest, just one year old, grabbed my hand and babbled incoherently, clearly trying to join the fun. It was pure magic. As I read, I noticed him mimicking some of the sounds, and for a brief moment, I thought: "Is this the start of his first word?" My heart swelled at the thought, and I felt an overwhelming pride for their budding imaginations.
A standout page featured the statement: “Dada will take you for a ride!” accompanied by a playful illustration of a dad pushing his baby on a swing. My kids loved it so much that we paused to recreate their own “swing” in the living room—using our couch, of course. Jimmy Fallon has a unique way of sparking creativity, and before I knew it, we were having a spontaneous pretend-play session.
Now, who would I recommend Your Baby’s First Word Will Be DADA to? It’s perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, especially those who love to giggle at silly premises or are experiencing that first language development phase. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, this book is a gem for any little one with a sense of humor (and let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good dad joke?).
As we closed the book that night, I couldn’t help but smile—this delightful read has secured a cherished spot on our bookshelf. We’ll be returning to it often, and every time we do, I hope to relive that sweet, silly moment of shared joy and connection. Here’s to the magic of words, laughter, and those spectacular Dada moments!
