9–12 months
Watch & Point
Following where you point is the first real conversation.
Between nine and twelve months, most babies start reliably following a caregiver's gaze and pointing gestures — and often begin pointing themselves. This shared attention to the same object at the same time is the mechanism researchers believe underlies early word learning: baby looks at what you're looking at, hears the word, and starts building the link. Carrying baby around and naming what you both notice, especially during routines like bath time, gives this mechanism something to work with every day.
- Joint-attention games: point, name, pause
- Naming objects and body parts during routines baby already loves
- Checking whether baby's eyes follow your point
- A small set of objects repeated often, not a long list
Watch & Point
Carry your baby around and name what you both notice — the shared attention that builds early words.
2 scenarios
Mealtime Words
Finger foods and simple requests as baby starts self-feeding.
2 scenarios
Getting Dressed
Narrating arms, legs and shoes during the daily dressing routine.
2 scenarios
First Games with Toys
Simple cause-and-effect games that build early anticipation and words.
2 scenarios
Out in the World
Expanding beyond the house — animals, birds and new sights at the park.
2 scenarios