At this point, your baby's vocabulary likely consists of "mama," "dada," and a few other words. You're probably also hearing babble – short, fully inflected sentences that sound like your baby is speaking a foreign language. Act as though you understand. Your baby may be able to respond to simple questions and commands, especially if you offer some clues with hand gestures. For example, ask "Where's your mouth?" and point to it. Or try "Hand me the cup" and point to the object. Your baby may even answer you in his or her own way, using gestures such as shaking the head for "no."
Help your baby be helpful
Because your baby is receptive now, it's a good time to begin teaching the concept of how to help out. Emphasize "please" and "thank you," and make toy cleanup time fun by turning it into a game. Though your baby probably won't get the idea just yet, it's not too early to start. Break the task into very small parts and do it together – at this age, you'll need to work side-by-side.
Name that item
It's up to you to help your baby make connections between objects and their names – the more you do, the faster your child's vocabulary will grow. Keep talking to your baby and labeling things. Count stair steps as you climb them, and point out the names and colors of the fruits and vegetables at the grocery store. Read your baby a picture book and ask him or her to point to or name familiar objects.
Solicit your baby's opinion once in a while: Offer up two different colored shirts and ask him or her to pick one, or ask whether the two of you should play with the stacking rings or the blocks.