Baby Language Activities: Simple, Playful Ways to Help Your Baby Talk

Your baby is learning language long before they say their first word. Every coo, squeal, reach, and “ba!” is part of it.

The good news? You don’t need fancy toys, flashcards, or a special program. The research-informed tips from Alberta Health Services’ Talk Box all come back to the same idea: how you talk and respond to your child makes a difference, and children learn to talk through back-and-forth interactions.

We’ve pulled together our favourite baby language activities from the Talk Box resources into one place, so you can try them at home today. Most of these fit right into things you’re already doing, like bath time, diaper changes, grocery runs, and floor play.

Have a question about your baby’s communication right now? You can book a free phone consult with our Edmonton speech-language pathologists anytime.

How babies learn language

Babies learn about the world by seeing, touching, listening, tasting, and doing (AHS, Your 1 Year Old). By their first birthday, most babies have already been practising for months through sounds and babbling, and they’ve figured out how to get your attention and ask for things without words.

That’s why connection matters so much. When you notice what your baby is doing and respond, you’re showing them that communication works. That back-and-forth is the foundation everything else is built on.

One more thing: talk, sing, and read in the language or languages you use at home. AHS encourages families to use the language they know best (AHS, Learning more than one language).

Everyday talking tips that boost baby language

These are the “how” behind every activity in this post. Pick one or two to focus on this week.

• Get face to face. Sit on the floor, bend down, or bring your baby up to your level so they can see your face while you talk.
• Use short, simple sentences. “The sun is up” is easier to learn from than “The sun is up and it’s getting hot.”
• Say words over and over. Repetition helps babies learn new words. Mix in action words (eat, jump) and describing words (cold, soft), not just names of things.
• Respond to their sounds and words. Copy the sound back, smile, or ask a simple question, then wait to see what they do next.
• Wait. Babies need time to respond. AHS notes that little ones sometimes need up to 5 seconds before answering you. It feels long. It’s worth it.
• Follow their lead. Let your baby show you what they’re interested in, join in, and talk about it.
• Add one word. If your baby says “up,” you can say “go up” or “up high.”

Source: AHS Talk Box, Your 1 Year Old

Baby language activities with toys you already have

The Talk Box toy handouts turn ordinary toys into chances to take turns and talk. Here are the baby ideas, plus a few to grow into as your little one becomes a toddler.

Ball games for babies

• Tap and babble. Say “bababa” and take turns tapping on the ball together.
• Roll it back and forth. Once your baby can sit up or crawl, roll the ball to each other and say “ball” each time.
• Pause before the roll. Once your baby knows the game, wait a few seconds before rolling. Watch for their actions, facial expressions, and squeals telling you “again!”
• For toddlers: match your words to theirs. If they’re using one word at a time, you use one word at a time (roll, kick, down, up, more), then try short phrases they can copy, like “kick the ball.”

These ideas also work with anything that can be passed back and forth, like a car or bean bag. Source: AHS Talk Box, Ball

Car play for babies

• Tummy drive. Drive a toy car up your baby’s tummy: “Here comes the car. It’s on your tummy. Now it’s on your arm!” Stop and wait for them to look at you, move, or make a sound. Then play and talk again.
• Vroom and push. Sit face to face on the floor and push a car back and forth. Make car sounds like “vroom” and “beep-beep,” or use words like “go” and “push.”
• For toddlers: “Ready… go!” Push the car, then say “Ready…” and pause to see if they’ll fill in “go!”

This works with trucks and buses too. Source: AHS Talk Box, Cars

Train play for babies

• In and on. Take turns putting blocks, animals, or other toys into the train cars. Use words like “in” and “on.”
• Choo-choo and stop. Make lots of train noises as you push the train to your baby, then stop now and then. Wait and see how they tell you they want more. They might smile, look, reach, or make a sound.
• For toddlers: give directions like “go under the table” or “go up the couch mountain,” and use describing words like “big block” or “tall giraffe.”

Source: AHS Talk Box, Trains

Animal play for babies

• Name them and make their sounds. Cow, dog, lion, “moo,” “woof.” Animal sounds are often some of the easiest early “words” for babies to try.
• Uh-oh! Put an animal on a toy barn roof or table edge and let your baby knock it off. “Uh-oh! The pig fell down.” Do it again, and wait. Then try a different animal.
• For toddlers: play pretend and talk about what the animals are doing (“The cow is eating”). When your child says a word, add a new idea: “Cat” becomes “a small cat.”

Stuffies, toy dinosaurs, and family pets work too. Source: AHS Talk Box, Animals

Want more? The Talk Box activities page also has handouts for blocks, dolls, puzzles, kitchen play, and seasonal activities.

Songs and nursery rhymes for baby language

Singing is one of the easiest ways to add repetition to your day, and babies love it.

• Sing the same song over and over during routines like getting dressed, brushing teeth, cleaning up, or driving.
• Sing slowly and pause, so your baby can hear the words and try to join in.
• Add actions that go with the words. Nursery rhymes and fingerplays are perfect for this.
• Make up your own songs using a tune you already know, and put your baby’s name in them.
• Sing in the language or languages you speak at home.

Source: AHS Talk Box, Your 1 Year Old

Reading with your baby

AHS notes that telling stories and reading books helps children learn language, and that these early language skills later support learning to read and write. You don’t have to read every word on the page.

• Look at books together every day. Take turns flipping pages, naming, and talking about the pictures.
• Keep sturdy books where your baby can reach them, and bring one along to appointments for the waiting room.
• Choose simple books with just a few words and big, clear pictures.
• Read the same books again and again. Babies like the repetition, even if you’re on your fortieth round.

Source: AHS Talk Box, Your 1 Year Old

Talking through everyday routines

Some of the best baby activities for language aren’t activities at all. They’re the things you already do every day.

• Grocery shopping: name the food as it goes in the cart and talk about it.
• Bath time: name body parts.
• Getting dressed: name clothes as they go on.
• Walks outside: talk about what you see, like cars, trees, bugs, and airplanes.
• Interesting moments: a broken toy, spilled juice, a visit to the doctor. These are all chances to learn new words.

Source: AHS Talk Box, Your 1 Year Old

What about screen time?

AHS explains that children learn language best from taking turns, and that time on a screen is a missed chance to talk. Their recommendation is to minimize screen time (tablets, phones, TV, and other screens). For more detail, the Canadian Paediatric Society has parent information at Caring for Kids.

One important note from AHS: some children use apps or devices to communicate. This is called augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and it’s not considered screen time.

Baby speech and language milestones

Every baby develops at their own pace. These checklists from AHS give a general idea of what many children are doing at each age.

Under 12 months

• By 3 months: responds to sound (startles, blinks, cries, or quiets) and coos, grunts, and gurgles.
• Is comforted by your voice when upset.
• From 4 to 7 months: starts babbling sounds like “baba,” “mama,” and “gaga.”
• By 6 months: shows interest in sounds, voices, and music, looks for where sounds come from, and watches your face when you talk.
• Coos and squeals for attention.

Around 1 year

• Understands words for everyday objects, like cup, shoe, and car.
• Understands “no” (pauses or stops when you say it).
• Copies gestures, like waving bye-bye.
• Responds to their name.
• Babbles using lots of different sounds and copies sounds you make.
• May have first words, like “mama” or “dada.”
• Shows interest in books.

Around 18 months (1½ years)

• Points to people, body parts, and pictures in books when asked.
• Understands simple questions and directions, like “Where is your nose?” and “Give me.”
• Nods for yes and shakes their head for no.
• Points to ask for things, to comment, or to get information.
• Says at least 10 words (they may not be clear yet) and understands more.
• Takes part in pretend play, like feeding a doll.
• May start using sounds like m, p, b, d, w, and h, and babbles in strings that sound like real sentences.

Sources: AHS Talking and Listening Checklist and AHS Speech Sounds Checklist

First words can be hard to understand. AHS points out that “ba” might mean ball, bottle, bus, or bye, and often you’re the only one who knows what your baby means. That’s completely typical at this stage.

When to reach out for help

AHS suggests reaching out if your child:

• doesn’t understand words for common objects
• doesn’t babble or make many sounds
• used some sounds or words but seems to have lost them
• isn’t trying to talk
• doesn’t interact with you or other people

Source: AHS Talk Box, Your 1 Year Old

You also don’t need a red flag to ask a question. If something is on your mind, a speech-language pathologist can help you sort out what’s typical and what might need a closer look.

In Alberta, you can learn about public pediatric rehabilitation services at ahs.ca/pedrehab or call the AHS Rehabilitation Advice Line at 1-833-379-0563 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Baby speech and language support in Edmonton

If you’ve read this far and something’s on your mind, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. At Dream Pediatric Services, our speech-language pathologists support babies, toddlers, and their grown-ups with play-based, connection-first care at our clinic in Strathearn.

Here’s how families usually start with us:

• Free phone consult. A no-cost call to talk through your questions and figure out the next right step for your family. Book your free consult on Jane
• Baby communication check-in. A visit with one of our SLPs to see where your baby is at and leave with ideas that fit your little one and your routines. Book a baby communication check-in
• Baby Talk Group (0 to 24 months). Songs, play, and simple strategies to build eye contact, gestures, babbling, and first words together. See Baby Talk Group details
• Evaluation and 1:1 therapy. If more support would help, our evaluations and individual therapy are tailored to your child and always include you.

We direct bill all major insurance providers, so you don’t have to pay up front and wait to be reimbursed. Coverage for speech-language pathology varies by plan, so it’s worth checking your benefits. We’re happy to help you figure that out.

Find us at 9410 91 Street in Edmonton, call (587) 449-0673, or email hello@dreampediatric.ca.

Baby language FAQ

How can I help my baby learn to talk?

Get face to face, use short simple sentences, repeat words often, respond to your baby’s sounds, and wait for them to take a turn. Everyday routines like bath time, meals, and walks are great chances to talk together (AHS Talk Box).

When do babies say their first words?

According to AHS, many babies may have first words like “mama” or “dada” around 1 year, and by about 18 months many children say at least 10 words, even if they aren’t clear yet (AHS Talking and Listening Checklist).

What are the best toys for baby language development?

Simple toys you already own work well: balls, toy cars, trains, animals, and board books. What matters most is how you play together: taking turns, making sounds, pausing, and talking about what you’re doing (AHS Talk Box toy activities).

Does screen time affect my baby’s speech?

AHS explains that children learn language best through taking turns, and that screen time is a missed chance to talk, so they recommend keeping it to a minimum. AAC apps or devices used to communicate are not considered screen time.

Should I speak my home language with my baby?

Yes. AHS encourages families to talk, sing, and read in the language or languages they use at home (AHS, Learning more than one language).

When should I talk to a speech-language pathologist about my baby?

Reach out if your baby isn’t babbling or making many sounds, doesn’t understand words for common objects, has lost words or sounds they used to have, isn’t trying to talk, or isn’t interacting with you or others. You’re also always welcome to reach out if you just have a question. In Edmonton, you can book a free phone consult or a baby communication check-in with Dream Pediatric Services.

Does insurance cover speech therapy for babies?

Many extended health plans include coverage for speech-language pathology, but coverage varies by plan, so check your benefits. At Dream Pediatric Services, we direct bill all major insurance providers. Book a free phone consult and we can walk you through it.

More resources for parents

• AHS Talk Box (all handouts)
• AHS Talk Box: Under 12 months
• AHS Talk Box: Your 1 Year Old
• The Hanen Centre: Parent tips
• First Words
• Caring for Kids, Canadian Paediatric Society

References

All handouts authored by Pediatric Rehabilitation Services, Alberta Health Services.

• Alberta Health Services. (2024, November 20). Your 1 year old: Speech and language tips [Handout]. Talk Box. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Topic/Pediatric-Rehabilitation/Documents/talk-box/talkbox-1-year.pdf
• Alberta Health Services. (2024, November 20). Talking and listening [Checklist]. Talk Box. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Topic/Pediatric-Rehabilitation/Documents/talk-box/talkbox-talking-and-listening.pdf
• Alberta Health Services. (2024, November 20). Speech sounds [Checklist]. Talk Box. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Topic/Pediatric-Rehabilitation/Documents/talk-box/talkbox-speech-sounds.pdf
• Alberta Health Services. (2025, January 31). Animals: Talking activities with toys [Handout]. Talk Box. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Topic/Pediatric-Rehabilitation/Documents/talk-box/Talkbox_animals.pdf
• Alberta Health Services. (2025, January 31). Ball: Talking activities with toys [Handout]. Talk Box. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Topic/Pediatric-Rehabilitation/Documents/talk-box/Talkbox_ball.pdf
• Alberta Health Services. (2025, January 31). Cars: Talking activities with toys [Handout]. Talk Box. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Topic/Pediatric-Rehabilitation/Documents/talk-box/Talkbox_cars.pdf
• Alberta Health Services. (2025, January 31). Trains: Talking activities with toys [Handout]. Talk Box. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Topic/Pediatric-Rehabilitation/Documents/talk-box/Talkbox_trains.pdf
• Alberta Health Services. (2026, April 13). Talk Box. MyHealth Alberta. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Topic/Pediatric-Rehabilitation/Pages/talk-box.aspx