What primary function does vocalization (crying, cooing, babbling and gestures) accomplish for infants?

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Vocalization such as crying, cooing, babbling and gestures are primarily used by infants to attract attention from their caregivers and others. This helps them to communicate their needs and desires, and get their caregivers to respond to them. It also helps to establish a social bond between the infant and their caregiver, which is important for their emotional and cognitive development. While vocalization does involve some respiratory exercise, it is not its primary function. Similarly, while it does occupy waking hours, this is not its primary purpose. Finally, while some forms of vocalization may be reflexive, this is not true of all types of vocalization. Overall, the primary function of vocalization for infants is to attract attention and communicate with others.

What Primary Function Does Vocalization (Crying, Cooing, Babbling and Gestures)