How you respond and talk to your baby can make a big difference to the way they will learn how words and sentences work.
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Early morning 'wake up'
Use this time to play together - you could tap and clap along together to favourite songs and stories so your child can play with the rhythm.
Talk through what you are doing as you change their nappy, wash and dress them. They love to hear your voice, it will soothe and calm them.
Mealtimes
Point, mime and talk about what your child is doing. Tell simple stories after breakfast, lunch and dinner using toys or picture books. Add quiet voices, squeaky voices and other sounds to the stories.
Out and about
Stop and move to the front of the pushchair. Play a 'look what I can see' game of pointing and talking. Pointing helps your child make sense of words.
Play time
Get down to a level where your child can see your face easily. Talk about and copy your child's facial expressions.
Name the things your baby is reaching for, looking at or holding. Do this every time. Sing rhymes and songs over and over again throughout the day.
Try to limit background noise from the radio or television during play times together. It's important that your baby can tune into your voice.
Bath time
Babble together in the bathroom or play a game of saying favourite words or sounds down a cardboard tube (the echo will make it more fun).
Bedtime
Have a bedtime storytogether each night, this can help calm and soothe ready for bed.
Further ideas
For more ideas talk to your health visitor, children’s centre, nursery or school about Derbyshire ECaT: Every Child a Talker.
Physical activity for early years: birth to 5 years - guidance and infographic on physical activity.
First words and little sentences: 1 to 2 years for more ideas (NHS).