A quantitative correlational study found a significant positive correlation between motor imitation and social communication in the context of language understanding. Using a naturalistic home-based play context, results suggest that imitation in 15 to 18-month-old babies has a unique relationship to social communication that is specific to language understanding and separate from verbal expression or gesture.

For older infants and babies, caregivers can initiate playful imitations that require gross motor skills, such as rolling or kicking a ball, which requires the child to move their body, arms and legs with coordination.

Toddlers learn how to problem-solve by imitating adults. Caregivers need to talk through the simple problems faced each day with their toddlers.