Speech and language

Building language skills for babies and toddlers

Know how your child communicates

Children communicate in many ways. They may make sounds, say words, use actions, make facial expressions, and look at people or things.

Recognize and encourage your child every time they try to communicate. When you respond, your child realizes they’ve done something important and will likely do it again.

Get face-to-face when talking to your child

Get on your child’s level by bending down, sitting on small chairs together, or bringing them up to you.

Make sure you’re able to see each other’s faces. This helps you connect with your child and recognize their communication cues. It lets them know you’re interested in them.

Talk during daily routines

Routines such as dressing, bathing, eating, and driving are natural times to talk with your child. Adding comments to everyday routines helps your child understand words and ideas.

Talk about what‘s happening right now. Talk about what you both hear, see, like, and don’t like.

For example, at snack time, you could say, “I’m peeling an orange for your snack. I like the colour orange. Do you like it?”

Help your child learn words

Copying your child’s sounds helps them learn their first words. When they start using words, look at your child and repeat what they said using correct pronunciation.

Your child will need to learn many different types of words to learn and use more words. Here are examples of first words:

actions: eat, go, play
asking: want, more, mine, all gone
clothing: shoes, hat, pants, shirt, coat
describing words: big, hot, yucky
feelings: happy, mad, sleepy
food: cookie, milk, water
getting attention: look, help, oh-oh
locations: up, in, on
names: me, mommy, mama, daddy, dada
safety words: stop, no, move, ow
social: okay, hi, bye, my turn
toys: ball, doll, truck

Talk to a speech-language pathologist if you have any concerns

Birth to 5 years old is an important time for speech, language, and hearing. Strong skills in these areas are important for learning and being ready for school.

Get help early if you have any concerns. Visit the Talk Box for tips by age.

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.

Current as of: May 20, 2026

Author: Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Allied Health Professions, Health Shared Services

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This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.