The Duchess of Cambridge confessed “as a first-time mum” she could have had better information on how to build Prince George’s communication.
The 38-year-old royal made her comments as she approved a set of tips on giving babies and toddlers “the best possible start in life.”
In a BBC interview, Kate said: “In the first few months there’s a huge amount of support from midwives and health visitors.
“But from then onwards there’s a massive gap before they then start school.”
Kate has been part of BBC project Tiny Happy People since as far back as November and her interview promoting the website will air on British television tomorrow.
She has been speaking to parents who took part in a pilot scheme about what they learned, including a father called Ryan and his daughter Mia, eight months.
Kate said: “Some of the things with the parents, you know, Ryan saying his baby’s got five different cries, he’s learned a huge amount from Tiny Happy People.
“It’s information like that I wish I had had as a first-time mum, it’s gold dust really for families to be given those tips and tools to be able to use, particularly in those first five years.”
Among resources available are a set of videos, activities and quizzes for parents of children up to four years.
The material covers everything from nursery rhymes to ways of creating a calm bedtime routine and how to develop your baby’s sense of humor.
Kate said: “Families and carers are at the heart of nurturing the next generation of happy, healthy adults, but sometimes it can be hard to know where to turn to for advice.
“Tiny Happy People is an invaluable resource which provides parents and carers with support and tips, as well as simple activities to ensure children develop the language skills they need to have the best possible start in life.
“I am delighted to have been part of its journey and hope families across the UK will enjoy exploring the resources.”
A spokesperson for the Kensington Palace said: “For the last eight years The Duchess of Cambridge has explored how experiences in early childhood often lie at the root of the hardest social challenges the country faces today.
“What we experience in the earliest years—from in the womb to the age of five—is instrumental in shaping our future lives.
“Her Royal Highness has spent time meeting with families and experts across the country and is working with The Royal Foundation to connect and support organizations who are providing extraordinary services and resources for the next generation.”
