Your toddler changes daily, and one of the most exciting milestones is when they utter their first words. It’s like music to your ears, isn’t it? But do you ever find yourself lying awake at night, perhaps wondering, “When do babies say their first words?” According to Kids Health, the magic typically happens between 12 and 18 months. Fast forward to age two, and they are piecing together two-word sentences. In this blog post, we will explore the developmental cues leading up to this thrilling event, the factors that influence speech development, and how you, as a parent, can facilitate your child’s journey toward verbal communication.
Table of Contents
How Babies Acquire Language Skills
The journey for a child to your favorite words – ‘momma’ or ‘dada’ – is fascinating. As a professional working with kids, I’ve enjoyed observing this journey. You see, it’s not an overnight transformation – instead, it’s a process intricately embedded in their growth and development.
Before they start speaking, babies engage in a lot of listening. Above all, they absorb speech patterns, inflections, and sounds from their surroundings. These little sponges soak up everything around them — and no, I am not exaggerating!
Read more: Fun Language Games for Kids
The First Step: Babbling
That cute, nonsensical babble you hear from kids? – oh yes, that’s the first step in the language acquisition journey. Now, what’s happening in those adorable interactions? When babies are about 4 to 6 months old, they connect their voice box with their ear to create sounds—a process termed canonical babbling.
During this phase, you might hear them repeating syllables like “ba-ba” or “ga-ga.” However, this is a rehearsal stage where they merely play around with sounds. The motive isn’t to communicate; it’s just experimental utterances.
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The Magic of First Words
From this babbling stage, slowly and surely, we move on to the question at hand – when do babies say their first words? Now, between 12 and 18 months of age, most kids have their breakthrough in expressing words with purpose.
Around this age, our little communicators start assigning meanings to those syllables they’ve been playfully uttering. So, ‘ba-ba’ might now mean bottle, and ‘da-da’ could be dad. However, remember that every child is unique, and there is no fixed timeline.
Read more: Assessment of Language
Two-Word Sentences: The Second Leap
As kids progress in their bilingual journey, between 18 months and two years, the second leap occurs in two-word sentences. For instance, phrases such as “more milk” or “bye-bye doggie” start showing up in their vocabulary.
While it’s not grammatically thorough, it does make logical sense. Moreover, ruling over this two-word empire would feel like a victory for your little one!
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The Word Lab and AAC Talker apps provide a simple, engaging platform for your child to learn core words and become a functional communicator right from the start. Customize the experience with a voice that suits them, and watch as their confidence grows in expressing their thoughts and needs!
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Final Thoughts
That being said, let’s remember our kids with special needs. The path to language acquisition for neurodivergent kids may look different – and that’s okay. Their timelines may vary, and their pace could be unique, but every word they utter is a milestone worthy of celebration! In the end, what genuinely matters is fostering an environment where kids feel comfortable to express themselves, for their skies are the limit. We are just here to help them take flight.
FAQs About When Do Babies Say Their First Words
When do babies typically say their first words? Babies usually say their first words between 10 to 15 months old. This milestone can vary widely among individuals, as each child develops at their own pace. What are the common first words for babies? Common first words for babies include "mama," "dada," "hi," "bye," and "no." These words are often related to their daily experiences and significant people in their lives. How can parents encourage their baby to start talking? Parents can encourage their baby to start talking by talking to them frequently, reading together, and engaging in interactive play that promotes verbal expression. Repetition and encouragement are key components. Is it normal for a baby not to say any words by 18 months? While some babies may not speak their first words until after 18 months, it's important for parents to consult with a pediatrician if there are no signs of verbal communication by this age. Early intervention can be beneficial for speech development.
This post was originally published on 04/18/2023. It was updated on 02/07/2024.
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