Playing with your baby

Your baby learns a lot by watching your face when you talk.  

Make it easy for them to see and hear you by getting down onto the floor.  

Smile, look and chat while you play. 

Notice what your baby is doing or looking at. 

This shows you what they want to play with and how they want to play.  

It also helps you know when they’re interested in chatting and when they are busy thinking and don’t want to be interrupted!  

If your baby looks at you, points, or shows you something, it’s their way of saying, “Talk to me!” 

Your baby loves to play with you – they don’t need expensive toys. 

Try fun games like peekaboo, round and round the garden, or tickles. 

Use a happy, sing-song voice to make play exciting.  

This also helps them listen and learn new words. One day they might try to say them too! 

Songs help babies learn new words and actions.   

Try songs with actions like: 

• Wind the bobbin up 
• Row, row, row your boat 
• If you’re happy and you know it 

Look out for how your baby joins in – maybe with a look, an action or a sound. 

You can sing in any language you use at home. 

Books are a great way to help babies learn new words. 

You don’t need to read all the words or even look through all the pages in the book!  

Just look at the pictures together and talk about what your baby seems interested in.