Building it into your day

The first three years provide a great opportunity for learning. Babies and toddlers need stimulation to help make the most of this time and make learning possible. The best way to do this is to talk to them from the moment they are born - in your home when they’re beside you or out and about, just talk, listen and respond to your baby as much as possible. Play, sing and encourage them as much as possible – have fun together. Read aloud or tell stories – all these natural activities will help to build the foundation for your child to learn more.

Everyday routines, such as feeding, dressing and bath time, are ideal opportunities for your child to understand and learn new things. So try to talk, listen and respond to your baby. The majority of brain development occurs in the first three years of a child’s life so when you play, sing or read to your child and give them time to respond, you will help them make the most of this opportunity.

Feeding time

Describe the food while feeding your baby
Count as you do things – like putting out plates
Allow your toddler to feed themselves as they get older – it helps build their co-ordination

At home

Talk to your baby about things, especially the things they show an interest in, like a favourite toy
Encourage your baby to reach for things
Turn tidying up into a sorting game – for example putting dolls or cars into different boxes

Bath time

Play pouring and emptying games with containers
Describe the toys in the water like the ‘quack’ of ducks

Outside

Let your child feel different shapes and textures outside – leaves, grass or sand
Talk about the things you see when you’re on the bus, in the car or walking to the shops
Listen together and name the sounds you hear around you. For example, if you both hear a car engine, say ‘That’s a car’

Bedtime

Share a book with your child and talk about the pictures
Count characters or animals in a picture book