Parent tip
Start before you overthink it. No-prep activities work best when you begin while the moment is still recoverable.
Two-Object Choice
Hold up two objects and wait — let baby point, reach, or vocalise to choose one.
Activity details
Instructions
- Choose two familiar objects (ball and teddy, cup and spoon)
- Hold one in each hand at baby's eye level
- Name them clearly: 'Ball?' (wiggle the ball) 'Or teddy?' (wiggle the teddy)
- WAIT — count to 5 silently in your head
- Watch for any response: a look, a reach, a point, a sound
- Give them the one they chose: 'Ball! You chose the ball!'
- Repeat with different pairs throughout the day
What success looks like
Back-and-forth between you — words, gestures, shared pretend. Connection is the real outcome here.
Hold a ball in one hand and a teddy in the other. Say each name clearly: 'Ball? Or teddy?' Then wait. Don't hand either one over. Give your baby 5 full seconds to respond in any way — a reach, a point, a sound, or even just looking at one longer. Name what they choose: 'Ball! You want the ball!' This teaches that communication has a purpose — their gesture or sound gets them what they want.
Why it helps
Choice-making is purposeful communication — baby learns that their gestures and sounds make things happen. The 5-second wait is critical: Speech and Language UK recommend pausing to give children time to think before they respond. When you name their choice, you're connecting their gesture to a word.
Variations
- Use during snack time: banana or apple?
- Use during dressing: red socks or blue socks?
- For older toddlers, hold up three objects instead of two.
Safety tips
- Use familiar objects baby already knows.
- Don't withhold if baby gets frustrated — just offer gently.
- Accept ANY form of communication: look, reach, point, sound.
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