32 Common Spanish Words for Babies and Toddlers

As a Spanish teacher, I understand how crucial it is to start learning a language early. I began learning Spanish later in high school, and it’s important to me to offer my son an early and consistent exposure to Spanish. I’m embracing the time I spend at home with my sweet baby boy, and to get started, I’m teaching him 32 common Spanish words for babies and toddlers.

Repetition and gestures are a great way to teach Spanish to young children. Their minds are like sponges, absorbing every bit of new language you provide. By incorporating these basic Spanish words into their routine on a daily basis, you’re giving them a valuable head start in acquiring a new language. Using simple vocabulary and new words on a regular basis not only enriches their language skills but also makes learning enjoyable and effective. You don’t need to do anything elaborate—just begin by introducing basic Spanish vocabulary that they will use every day.

Why Start Early? The Benefits of Early Second Language Acquisition

Starting Spanish early in your child’s life brings a host of advantages. Research shows that introducing a second language during these formative years can significantly enhance cognitive skills, improve problem-solving abilities, and boost overall academic success. Babies and toddlers are particularly adept at picking up new sounds and words, making this the perfect time for Spanish lessons. Early exposure to basic Spanish words not only supports language development but also enriches their understanding of different cultures and broadens their communication skills. By integrating Spanish into their daily routines, you’re setting a strong foundation for their linguistic and cognitive growth.

Essential Spanish Words for Babies and Toddlers

Here are some common Spanish phrases and first Spanish words that are perfect for teaching younger kids and easy to weave into daily conversations. Integrating these common words into your child’s routine can boost their language skills and create a meaningful experience for both of you. By using these words consistently, your child will become familiar with Spanish vocabulary, and with repeated exposure, one of these could even become your baby’s first Spanish words!

Children naturally pick up on the words they hear most often. For example, when my son wakes up or hears the dog bark, he says “dog.” He’s heard it so frequently from family members that he’s naturally added it to his vocabulary. Introducing common Spanish words into everyday conversations can become just as second nature once you focus on the basic words that are already part of your child’s vocabulary.

Here are some simple and easy Spanish words to help expand your baby or toddler’s vocabulary:

1. Agua (Water) – Use this word during mealtimes or when offering drinks. Encourage your child to ask for “agua” when they’re thirsty.
2. Comida (Food) – Incorporate this during snack times: “¿Quieres comida?” to make food vocabulary familiar.
3. Leche (Milk) – Offer milk with “¿Quieres leche?” to connect the word with mealtime routines.
4. Mamá (Mom) – Talk about family members with phrases like “¿Dónde está mamá?” to help them recognize and use family terms.
5. Papá (Dad) – Use in family interactions: “Papá te ayuda” to reinforce the role of parents.
6. Perro (Dog) – Point out dogs and say “Mira el perro” to connect the word with real-life experiences.
7. Gato (Cat) – Show pictures or real-life cats: “Es un gato” to teach animal names.
8. Jugar (To Play) – During playtime, say “Vamos a jugar” to link the word with fun activities.
9. Pelota (Ball) – Play with balls and use “Tira la pelota” to associate the word with action.
10. Correr (To Run) – Encourage running with “Vamos a correr” to make learning active.
11. Sentarse (To Sit) – Use during storytime or circle time: “Siéntate por favor” to teach sitting routines.
12. Dormir (To Sleep) – Before nap or bedtime, say “Es hora de dormir” to associate with sleep routines.
13. Zapatos (Shoes) – While getting dressed, prompt with “Aquí están tus zapatos” to teach clothing vocabulary.
14. Manos (Hands) – Point out body parts and say “Estas son tus manos” during activities.
15. Cabeza (Head) – Use songs like “Cabeza, hombros, rodillas, pies” to teach body parts in a fun way.
16. Abre (Open) – During activities like reading a book, say “Abre el libro” to connect the word with actions.
17. Cierra (Close) – Use for closing objects or eyes: “Cierra la puerta” to reinforce comprehension.
18. Fruta (Fruit) – During snack time, ask “¿Quieres fruta?” to introduce fruit vocabulary.
19. Colores (Colors) – Use while coloring: “Este es rojo” to help them recognize and name colors.
20. Baño (Bathroom) – During potty training or bathroom time, say “Vamos al baño” to familiarize them with essential routines.
21. El bebé / La bebé (Baby) – Use when talking to or about your child: “El bebé está durmiendo” or “La bebé juega con su pelota.”
22. Hola (Hello) – Greet your child each morning with “Hola” to teach them how to say hello.
23. Adiós (Goodbye) – Say “Adiós” whenever you leave the room or finish an activity, reinforcing the concept of saying goodbye.
24. Buenos días (Good morning) – Start the day with “Buenos días” to introduce this common Spanish phrase.
25. Buenas tardes (Good afternoon) – Use during lunch or later in the day to greet your child and practice polite phrases.
26. Buenas noches (Good night) – Before bed, say “Buenas noches” as part of your nightly routine to teach bedtime vocabulary.
27. Venir (Ven) (To Come) – Use when calling your toddler: “Ven aquí” or  “Ven con mami”) to teach them how to respond when asked to come.
28. Peluche (Stuffed Animal) – Use during playtime or when comforting them with their stuffed toys: “¿Dónde está tu peluche?”
29. Chupete (Pacifier) – Use during bedtime or nap time: “¿Quieres tu chupete?” to associate the word with calming moments.
30. Bebida (Drink) – Offer drinks throughout the day with “¿Quieres una bebida?” to teach different ways to ask for drinks.
31. Lo siento (I’m sorry) – Teach empathy and manners by saying “Lo siento” when something goes wrong or during moments of conflict: “Lo siento, te lastimé” to help them understand apologies.
32. ¿Cómo estás? (How are you?) – Use this phrase to check in with your child and teach them how to respond: “¿Cómo estás?” (How are you?) and “Estoy bien” (I’m fine) to make interactions more engaging.

I understand that not every parent who wants to teach their child Spanish has prior knowledge of the language. To help you seamlessly integrate these basic words into your child’s daily routine, I’ve created a list of key Spanish words and phrases along with their meanings. This will help you understand what you’re saying when using these new words with your child. WordReference, an online language dictionary, is also a valuable tool to assist with defining and discovering new words.

Spanish Words and Phrases for Parents to Learn with Their Toddlers

1. ¿Quieres? – Do you want?
   • Example: “¿Quieres agua?” (Do you want water?)
2. Tu – Your
   • Example: “Aquí están tus zapatos” (Here are your shoes)
3. Te lastimé – I hurt you
   • Example: “Lo siento, te lastimé” (I’m sorry, I hurt you)
4. Ven – Come
   • Example: “Ven aquí” (Come here)
5. Vamos a… – Let’s…
   • Example: “Vamos a jugar” (Let’s play)
6. Es hora de… – It’s time to…
   • Example: “Es hora de dormir” (It’s time to sleep)
7. Mira – Look
   • Example: “Mira el perro” (Look at the dog)
8. Siéntate – Sit down
   • Example: “Siéntate por favor” (Sit down, please)
9. Abre – Open
   • Example: “Abre el libro” (Open the book)
10. Cierra – Close
    • Example: “Cierra la puerta” (Close the door)

Techniques for Teaching Spanish to Toddlers

1. Repetition and Consistency – The best way to help your toddler learn new vocabulary words is through repetition. Common Spanish phrases like “buenos días” (good morning) or “gracias” (thank you) can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. The first thing to remember is that consistent exposure helps solidify these basics of Spanish. Even younger kids pick up first words quickly when they hear them regularly.
2. Interactive Activities – Make learning fun! Use fun games, songs, and Spanish vocabulary lessons to introduce first words and phrases. Playtime is a great opportunity to teach the basics of Spanish. Singing songs in Spanish or reading simple stories is an amazing experience that will expand their language skills while engaging their minds. This type of interaction enhances cognitive development and creates a natural way to introduce the Spanish-speaking world into their daily life.
3. Visual Aids – Flashcards, picture books, and labeled objects are ideal for helping toddlers grasp the meaning of new vocabulary words. These tools make Spanish vocabulary lessons more visual and engaging. Start with words that are similar to those in their native language—this will make it easier for them to build connections and retain what they’ve learned. The first lesson can include simple words like colors, animals, or body parts.
4. Modeling and Immersion – One of the most effective ways to boost language skills is through immersion. Even if you’re not fluent, incorporating common Spanish phrases into everyday conversations will give your child a rich learning environment. Try using Spanish during mealtimes or while playing, giving them the opportunity to naturally absorb the language. Immersion in a Spanish-speaking environment, even briefly, can be an amazing experience for both you and your child, offering insight into the Spanish-speaking world and enhancing their language acquisition from a young age.

Starting Spanish language learning early offers significant benefits for your child’s cognitive and social development. By integrating essential Spanish words into daily routines, using engaging activities, and employing effective teaching techniques, you can help your child build a strong foundation in a second language. Embrace the journey, and watch your little one thrive in their bilingual adventure!

Grab this set of flashcards for Spanish first words to use with you little!

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