Your baby’s brain grows faster in the first year than at any other time in life. And guess what? You don’t need fancy toys or flashcards to help your baby learn—you already have everything you need. Talking, singing, playing and cuddling all help your baby build early language and literacy skills that support their learning now and later in life.
Learning Happens Through Play
From the moment they’re born, your baby is soaking in the world through their senses—watching your face, listening to your voice and learning how things feel, smell and move. Play is how they learn!
Try this:
- Talk to your baby during diaper changes and feedings. Describe what you’re doing.
- Copy their sounds or facial expressions—babies love that!
- Make up songs or sing favorites like “Twinkle Twinkle.”
- Let them help “pick” books, bang blocks or splash in the tub.
- Play simple games like peekaboo or patty-cake.
- Let them explore safely at their own pace. Follow their lead.
Pro Tip: When your baby turns their head away or fusses, that’s their way of saying, “I’m done for now.” That’s part of learning, too.
Back-and-Forth Conversations Build Language Skills
Even before your baby says real words, they’re learning how conversations work. When they coo, babble or point—and you respond—you’re teaching them that communication is a two-way street.
Try this:
- When your baby points at something, respond with, “Oh wow, you see the doggie!”
- If they gurgle or giggle, smile and talk back: “That’s a funny sound! Tell me more!”
- Pause and let them “reply.” This helps them understand the rhythm of conversation.
- Use video chat with faraway family—it’s great practice for real-time talking and bonding.
This type of interaction helps develop the parts of your baby’s brain responsible for speech, social skills and learning.
Support Their Unique Personality
By now you are seeing what makes your baby an individual, in the ways they react to people and the world around them. You may be learning that your baby is quite different from you.
Watching your baby’s personality come out can be one of the biggest joys of parenthood. Find ways to support your baby’s unique personality. If your baby is active and confident, give them lots of time for play. If your baby is cautious or shy, give them time to get used to new places and people. And give all babies lots of attention. You cannot spoil a child under 1 year old with too much attention.
Extra Support if Your Baby has a Delay or Disability
If you think your baby is behind in speech or development, you’re not alone—and help is available. The earlier you act, the more support you and your baby will have.
- Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) helps families with babies birth to age 3 who aren’t meeting expected milestones.
- Encircle Families connects you with other parents and support groups.
- Arizona Technology Access Program provides learning tools for kids with disabilities.
- AHCCCS and Social Security may offer free or low-cost health care and support.