Tips for encouraging your baby to start talking

Talk to your baby about what you’re doing in a tuneful voice, keeping your language simple. Talk about what you see and what you’re doing throughout the day, such as going to the shops or for a walk. It doesn’t really matter what you say! Our page on helping your baby feel connected has more ideas.

If you can, get down to your baby’s level so they can see your face as you’re talking.

Reading, songs and nursery rhymes are all great ways to play and interact with your baby and for your baby to hear words being repeated. The Bookbug Song and Rhyme Library has loads of ideas to get you started.

Try and have a special time each day to play and interact with your baby without any distractions. Turn off the TV or other background noise so your baby can tune into your voice.

Babies love games like ‘peek-a-boo’ and it teaches them important skills like taking turns, paying attention and listening.

Notice ways that your baby is communicating with you and give them time to get their message across. Communicating is hard work and they may need time to process everything and rest.

Respond positively to any attempts your baby makes to communicate. Smile, nod and repeat the sounds your baby makes back to them.

This could be their toys or things they like or are interested in, such as animals or vehicles.

If your baby uses a dummy, try and use this for sleeping times only. 

Try to limit the amount of time your baby spends looking at a screen. The more time they have interacting with you or someone else, the better.