Learning to talk: 6 to 12 months
During these months your baby will start to listen more carefully. They'll love it when you take the time to chat, play and read with them.
Every little thing you do together, whether that's at bedtime or lunchtime, will help to improve their confidence and communication.
Video: Sharing stories with your baby
Watch a mum reading a story to her baby, engaging them with books. Her baby touches the shapes and textures in the books.
Activities for your daily routine
Mealtimes
Even though weaning can take a lot of patience, it's a great way to encourage your baby to start using their senses.
Use questions to engage them or keep them engaged with the food. Ask your baby questions like, "Do you like sweet potatoes? Are they nice?".
Talk about textures using descriptive words like sweet, chewy, crunchy. Try using different pitches and tones to keep them interested.
Eat meals together
When you eat together your baby can see and learn from your facial expressions and interactions with food.
Don't worry if it gets a bit messy
Weaning allows your baby to explore different flavours and textures but you might need a mat under their chair!
At home
Bath time can be a really fun step in your daily routine but it's also a great opportunity to build your baby's brain!
When you’re washing them, tell them what part of their body you’re washing. When they’re splashing, mimic the sound of splashing water by saying “splish, splash, splosh” in different pitches.
You could keep waterproof books and toys close to the bath to help keep your baby happy and engaged.
Ask them to squeeze a wet sponge
A wet sponge provides a great workout for your baby's muscles and their brain, why not join in the fun!
Let your baby respond to you
Your baby might want to reply to you but don't worry if they're more engaged with the water and bubbles in the bath.
Out and about
It can be hard to think of new things to talk to your baby about. Taking the lead from what has your baby's attention might take the pressure off.
When you’re next waiting for something like a bus, tune into what they're watching and point to what they're looking at. Try to add a simple describing word as you name what they're looking at, for example "the red bus".
If your baby is feeling chatty and copies you, encourage them on and repeat the word back the correct way.
Add gestures to reinforce meaning
When you say "bye", wave, and if you’re looking at something, point at that thing.
Get down to your baby’s level
It’s easier for you to make eye contact and for your baby to see how your face moves as you chat.
Video: Talk when you're out and about
Watch how a mum interacts with her baby when they go out for a walk. Mum chats to her baby about what she sees and responds to the sounds her baby makes.
Little tips for everyday play
Tiny Happy People on the BBC website has fun activity inspiration to help your child learn to talk, play and sing.
Libraries are a free way to access age appropriate books. Some also run story time sessions for parents and their children. Find your local library service on gov.uk.
Your local council may offer activities too. Find learning activities for your child on gov.uk.
Family hubs
Family hubs offer support to children, young people and their families. They provide a single place to go for support and information from a variety of organisations, making it easier to get the support you need.
They can provide guidance on issues such as feeding your baby or toddler, mental health and parenting support.
Family Hubs are currently operating in 75 local authorities across England.
How to help their speech development
- try playing with things your baby is interested in, and be at their level physically while you're playing together
- as soon as you notice your baby looking or pointing at something, talk about it before their attention moves on to something else – that might be within a couple of seconds
- use picture books to introduce your baby to new things – point to the pictures and say what you see
- take turns to make noises or speak with your baby, even with young babies, as you can respond to their babbling by copying back the sounds you hear and then waiting for them to take another turn
- make reading, singing and playing fun by using lots of actions and different voices
- use the same song or book – babies and young children learn a lot when they are familiar with particular songs and books
- talk to your baby in short, simple sentences, as it helps them understand what you are saying and makes it easier for them to have a go at copying when they're ready
Learning more than 1 language
It's important to talk to your child in the language or languages you use.
A child learning more than 1 language should babble and say their first words in the same way as a child learning one language.
It is important not to confuse this slight delay with language difficulties – most children quickly catch up.
For more help on languages, have a look at the parent's questions on the National Literacy Trust website.
Help and advice
At about 12 months, your health visitor will talk to you about your baby's development. They will let you know if your baby needs a little extra support. They may also suggest local activities.
Ask your health visiting team for support whenever you need it, they will be able to provide tips and advice.
Remember, children learn to talk at different ages. If you are worried, speak to your health visitor or nursery key worker, or contact your local speech and language therapy service for advice.
For more ideas on how you can help your child, visit:
Early learning and development
90% of your child's brain growth takes place before they turn 5. Discover more advice and activities for ages 0 to 5 to help you make the most of every moment.
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