What will happen next? Playing toys or games with a predictable outcome to help your baby link events

What you need 

• Objects linked to everyday routines – for example, a nappy, coat or bowl 

What to try 

1. When you’re going to change your baby’s nappy or get ready to go out, show them the nappy or their coat and say, “nappy time,” or “time to go out.”  
2. Give them a little time to look and listen before you scoop them up. This helps them to connect the object, word and activity.  
3. Use the same words and objects each time to help your baby make the connection.  

Good to know 

When you use an object alongside an instruction or comment, these are known as ‘objects of reference’. 

Using objects in this way can help your baby to understand what is going to happen – and might be useful when they are a bit older, as objects of reference can help toddlers and children understand instructions.