This page will help you understand:

  • Why it’s important to talk with your baby/toddler
  • Some things your baby can probably already do!
  • Activity ideas to do with your baby/toddler as they approach 12 months and beyond

 

Babies want to interact with other people and they do this before they start saying words! 

Babies will learn language from people they spend a lot of time with.

Babies’ brains are ready to learn. Lots of a child’s language development happens in the first 2 years.

 

Since your baby was very little, you will probably have noticed they are really interested in you and want to interact!

They have probably:

  • Made lots of noises like cooing and blowing raspberries.
  • Said repeated sounds like bababa, dadada, mama! This is known as babbling.
  • Followed you around the room with their eyes.
  • Looked at you when you spoke to them.
  • Giggled/laughed when you have done something fun like tickle them.

 

Click on the links for fun activities to keep trying with your baby/toddler as they grow.

Back and forth games: Using a teddy for turn taking games - BBC Tiny Happy People

Baby Babble: Responding to one-on-one 'baby talk' - BBC Tiny Happy People

Joint attention: Joint attention goals in speech and language and activities for babies - BBC Tiny Happy People

 

How many interaction top tips can you do?

  • Chat to your baby about what they’re interested in, then watch and wait for their ‘answer’.
  • Turn off the TV and put down your phone to chat with your child.
  • Talk about what you are doing! That might be looking at books, toys or washing up!
  • Use simple talk – just one or two words together.
  • Copy back the sounds your baby makes.
  • Give babies’ sounds a meaning.
  • If your toddler says a word – say it back and add another.
  • Make screen time a shared experience.
  • If you speak more than one language, speak the one you are most comfortable speaking in. Or if you are confident in them all - use them all!

 

Long term (over 12 months) & overuse may impact speech. Please click the link below for more detailed information.

Dummies and weaning: How and when to stop dummy use - BBC Tiny Happy People

 

There are many useful websites with more information and activity ideas to help you support your child’s speech & language development.

The Balanced System tool will help you gather lots of advice together from various sources, including local and national websites.

The Balanced System® speech, language and communication pathway

 

For information on all areas of child development, milestones, tips and advice go to BBC Tiny Happy People:

BBC Tiny Happy People

 

If you would like to check the progress of your child’s speech & language development, the Progress Checker from the link below may be useful. This will also signpost you to other resources if your child needs support.

Child's Progress checker - Speech & Language UK (speechandlanguage.org.uk)

Need more support?

If you have any specific questions or concerns relating to your child’s development, including speech & language milestones,  please contact your Health Visitor.

You can also read some more information in our leaflet below:

Communication strategies for younger children.