Talk to your Baby

Talk To Your Baby is a campaign run by the National Literacy Trust to encourage parents and carers to talk more to children from birth to three.


Babies love to communicate. They are born sociable and come into the world with a
willingness to communicate and learn. Their experiences in their early years shape their future social, communication and learning skills. Books can be a great way of helping babies and their carers during this period of discovery.

Seventy-five per cent of brain development occurs in the first two years of life and babies need stimulation and attention to make the most of this opportunity. This is not as daunting as it may first sound, as stimulation comes from simple, everyday activities such as talking, listening, singing and sharing books together.

A language-rich home helps a child to develop in many ways. Talking to babies helps them learn to listen, and gives them the chance to respond and be listened to. Over time, their coos, babbles and smiles will move on to first words and sentences. Interaction helps this natural process along.

Storytelling and book-reading are an easy way to have regular, additional talking time. Storytelling introduces structure and language patterns that help form the building blocks for reading and writing skills. Reading aloud combines the benefits of talking, listening and storytelling within a single activity and gets parents and carers talking regularly to young children.

Reading to children on a daily basis gives them the best start to life. It is never too early to start communicating.

Why reading is good for talking

• Sharing books with babies and young children is a fun way to share talk. Adults and
children will both enjoy the experience, which means there is a strong chance it will
become a regular activity.

• Talking and listening to young children develops their social and literacy skills and
reading aloud is a good way of encouraging two-way communication.

• Babies love the sound of their parents’ voices and reading aloud to them can be
calming during times of distress or unease. Coupled with the appearance of their
favorite book and/or character, it can be a very soothing experience and help build
the bond between carer and child.

• Books introduce children to the exciting world of stories and help them learn to
express their own thoughts and emotions.

• Songs and rhymes are especially good for children as the rhythms and repetitive
language make it easier for babies to learn language skills.

• The majority of brain development occurs in the first three years of a child’s life.
Reading to babies and young children, and giving them time to respond, will help
make the most of this opportunity.


Tips for parents

Sharing books with babies and young children is a great way of helping them learn to talk, and a wonderful opportunity to share a cuddle at the same time.