Find out how you can help your baby's language skills develop by providing a rich communication environment

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0-6 months
From the first moment your baby starts to suckle - breast or bottle - he's already beginning to develop the muscles he needs to help him form words. Although he may not appear to respond, he's taking in a lot more than just his feed. Within a very short space of time, he'll be able to recognize your voice.

What you can do

• Don't be self-conscious. Tell him what you're doing: changing his nappy, getting his bath ready.
• Let him look at your face when you're talking. He learns by imitation and by matching the sounds you're making to the shape of your mouth.

6-12 months
By now your baby will be trying out sounds for himself. Speaking uses a lot of muscles and is a sensual act. He enjoys the feel of his tongue on the ridge of his teeth and the bubbly sound (and the bubbles) his lips make when he blows through them. Ma-ma and da-da are usually his first definite 'words', and are similar in all languages.

What you can do

• Copy his sounds and let him see that it's a fun thing to do.
• He'll quickly relate 'ma-ma' and 'da-da' to you and your partner, and is laying the foundations of a vocabulary. Reward him with big smiles and tell him how clever he is.
• Other sounds may not make much sense, but encourage him to experiment and let him see how pleased you are with his attempts.
• When visiting friends, encourage him to associate 'hello' when greeting people so that he absorbs the ideas of sociability. 'Goodbye', 'please' and 'thank you' also have their place here, and if he sees you chatting easily he'll soon want to try things out for himself.

12-18 months
At this age your toddler will probably be trying out his first words. Children are great imitators and will quickly pick up the words you use and the way you say them. Remember, conversation is a two-way process so respect his efforts by listening to him, and when he's struggling with words give him time.

What you can do

• Repetition is the key. Offer him a biscuit and say 'biscuit' - it won't be long before he's trying to say it, too.
• When you recognise a word he says, repeat it and look for the smile as he realises you've understood him.
• Try to avoid too much anticipation or finishing off what you think he wants to say, as this won't stretch his skill. Reward him with praise when he gets words right.

2-3 years
By now your tot will be enjoying nursery rhymes. Children love rhyme, rhythm and repetition, even though it may drive you mad! All this time, his speech muscles are strengthening and his word range is increasing.

He'll enjoy sharing time when you read to him. It's helpful for you to pick out words, but let him see your face. Remember the movie ET? The little alien learnt by watching and repetition - your tot will do the same. He'll be starting to say, 'I want?' instead of 'Tom wants'. This is an important step, as he's beginning to think of himself as an individual. Children are curious and their constant 'whys' might drive you crazy, but it's important to be patient with them.

What you can do

• Instead of telling him what to do, turn the tables and ask him to tell you what he's doing. 'Why is teddy lying on the sofa?'
• Ask questions that are 'open ended' so he can begin to build up sentences. Always give him time to explain, and don't laugh when he gets words wrong.
• Try to answer his questions in simple terms and, when possible, demonstrate. When he goes to school, he'll be asked to do this in class and he'll be more confident if he's already seen you do it.

3-4 years
At around 3½ your toddler will be talking freely and should have a clear voice. He'll imitate what he hears, so take a moment to listen to yourself. Am I sounding cross or tired? Am I shouting? Encourage him to talk quietly when granny's having a nap and remind him about 'please' and 'thank you'.

His vocabulary is growing fast but don't worry about 'difficult words'. The majority of those he encounters are new and equally difficult. Most children enjoy tongue twisters and, because of their supple facial muscles, can usually say them better than adults.

Don't worry if your little one doesn't start talking at the same time as your friends' tots - children develop at different rates. If you're worried, speak to your health visitor and, if necessary, arrange a hearing test.

What you can do