This is something that does not need to forced with flash cards. One of the biggest ways to help your toddler/baby learn is just to play with them. Giving them a little encouragement when it looks like they are stuck and about to give up on a task.

Also reading to your baby/toddler will help them so much. I know that I say this often, but that is because it is so important. If all you do is make reading a story part of a bedtime routine, that will help your child develop a love for reading.

Liking to read will be important as your baby grows, because it will be less of something that is forced and more fun. This will help them in school as well as in life.