Every parent looks forward to when their babies say their first words. Will it be something that warms your heart, like “mama” or “dada”? Or perhaps it will be something completely random, like “duck” or “ball.” Anticipating that first word can feel like the world’s longest waiting game, leaving a parent feeling anxious and impatient. So, how long should a first-time parent expect to wait to hear that magical first word? And when should they expect their little one to start having a full-on conversation?
Milestones for a Baby ‘s Speech Development
While there are common ages for when babies start talking and language development milestones and language skills, it is important to remember that every
3 Months of Age
At the age of three months, your
6 Months of Age
At the age of six months, your infant will begin to respond to their own name and understand how the tone of their voice can communicate their emotions. Six months is also a common age for infants to hit their babbling stages. Your little one will likely begin using random syllables when attempting to communicate with those around them. You may hear them say things like “da-da” or “ma-ma.” However, a six-month-old will have not quite grasped the meaning of these syllables.
9 Months of Age
By the age of nine months, your
12 Months of Age
Between the ages of one and eighteen months, your
18 Months of Age
By 18 months, your toddler may be saying one or more words and and will be able to repeat certain words they hear you say, although the words will not likely be perfectly said. Your child will also begin to develop a better understanding of words, developing the ability to point to body parts, people, and objects you ask them to.
2 Years Old
Once your
3 Years Old
At the age of three, your child’s language skills and vocabulary will be growing by the day. They will also have a better grasp of the meanings behind words, whether they describe an object, feeling, or idea.
Tips for Encouraging Your Baby ‘s Speech Development
Your little one’s speech and language will develop on its own as they are exposed to you and your family’s ways of communicating. However, taking extra steps to expose your
Talk, Talk, Talk
One of the simplest but most effective ways you can encourage your child’s development is by simply talking your little one’s ears off so they can hear their parents talk. As you flow through your daily routines, explain what you are doing to your little one. Cooking dinner? You can expose your
Enunciate
When you are teaching your child one a new word, slowly enunciating each syllable will help your
Read, Sing, Then Read Some More
It’s no secret that reading is a great tool to help a
Every