Playing with sounds can be fun for babies and toddlers. It helps them learn to listen, communicate, connect with others, and make more sounds on their own.

Playing with sounds

Listen for sounds you and your child can copy and play with.

At first, your child will make simple sounds like crying, grunting, and sighing. As they grow, they will start to laugh, coo, and giggle. The main sounds they use will be “aw,” “uh,” “m,” and “buh.” Your child will explore how their voice can change—getting higher, lower, softer, or louder.

Next, your child will start to use different sounds like “oh,” “oo,” “t,” “d,” and “ee.” They will repeat strings of sounds like “mamama” or “bababa.” Have fun with your child by copying their sounds.

Soon your child will sound like they’re talking in their own language. They will try to copy the sounds you make, even if they don’t form words yet.

Your child will find it fun to make animal, car, and train sounds. Encourage and praise them for these first words.

When your child is ready, they will try to say words like “mama” and “dada.” Their words may not be perfect—like “duh” for “down” and “doo” for “juice”—but if you repeat them clearly, your child will learn to say them better.

Sounds you can play with

You and your child can have fun playing with and practising these sounds.

Songs and games

• Play games like “peek-a-boo,” “pat-a-cake,” and “this little piggy.”
• Sing children’s songs with actions and fun sounds like “Wheels on the Bus” and “Old MacDonald.” Also dance to and sing your own favourite songs with your baby.
• Copy your baby’s sounds, noises and gestures. When your child says “mmm” you say “mmm.”

Be expressive

• Make fun noises like animal sounds, vehicle, or environment noises (like “moo,” “vroom,” or “splash”) with your child or while you look at books together.
• Use playful voices by changing the pitch and volume of your voice.
• Make faces and show your child your facial expressions like wide eyes and big smiles.

Simple words

• Use interesting, simple words like “wee,” “oops,” and “wow.”
• Add actions to words, such as saying “hi” and “bye” while waving.

For more ideas

For more ideas to help develop your child’s speech and language skills, visit Talk Box.

Where to get help

To learn how speech-language pathologists and audiologists can help with speech, language, and hearing concerns, contact your child’s healthcare provider or visit Pediatric Rehabilitation.​