When Do Babies Start Talking? Language Milestones

Few sounds are as exciting as hearing your baby say “mama” or “dada” for the first time. Long before that moment, though, your baby has been busy learning how to communicate.

So, when do babies start talking? Language development begins well before babies speak recognizable words. From the earliest coos to the first babbles, each sound builds toward speech.

Many parents also wonder, “When do babies say their first words?”. Many babies begin using familiar words around their first birthday, but timing varies from child to child.

Here’s a deep dive into some of the changes your baby will experience in their first year. For a broader look at this stage, see our Baby Development Milestones: What to Expect in the First Year guide.

Early Communication Before First Words

Babies communicate from the very beginning, just not with words. Early ways babies communicate include:

Crying
Cooing
Smiling
Making eye contact
Babbling
Responding to voices
Reaching and pointing
Using gestures

These early skills matter because they lay the foundation for baby speech development. When your baby cries to signal hunger, smiles at your voice, or points at a toy, they’re learning that communication gets a response. That connection helps prepare them for words later on.

Language Milestones During the First Year

Baby language milestones tend to build gradually. Here’s a general look at what many babies do at each stage.

Around 3 Months

Cooing and making sounds
Responding to familiar voices
Beginning to interact through sounds and expressions

Around 6 Months

Babbling and experimenting with sounds
Taking turns making sounds with caregivers
Responding to familiar voices

See our 6-Month-Old Baby Development Milestones guide for more on this stage.

Around 9 Months

Making repeated sounds, like “bababa”
Responding to their name
Using gestures to communicate

Around 12 Months

Using familiar names such as mama or dada
Understanding simple words
Using gestures such as waving

These ages are general guides. Babies may reach some milestones a little earlier and others a little later, so be patient and remember that each child moves at their own pace.

Language Development at 18 Months and Beyond

After the first year, communication skills continue to grow quickly. Toddler talking milestones may include:

Trying to use several familiar words by 18 months
Following simple instructions
Pointing to communicate
Combining two words by around age 2
Developing longer phrases and conversations as toddlers grow

Baby first words often give way to short phrases like “more milk” or “bye dog” as toddlers learn how words fit together. For more on this stage, see our 18 Month Old Development and Toddler Development Milestones: Ages 1 to 3 guides.

Understanding Words vs. Speaking Words

Language has two sides. Receptive language is what your child understands, like recognizing their name or knowing what “bath time” means. Expressive language is what your child is able to say or communicate.

Many babies understand words and simple instructions well before they can say many words themselves. A toddler who brings you their shoes when you ask may still use only a handful of words. Understanding often comes first.

How Parents Can Encourage Language Development

Everyday moments offer plenty of chances to support communication. Simple ideas include:

Talking throughout daily routines, combining words with explanatory gestures
Reading books together
Responding to babbling and gestures
Singing songs
Naming familiar objects
Encouraging back and forth interactions
Offering opportunities for play and conversation

These activities give your child chances to hear, practice, and enjoy language. Every child develops at their own pace, so there’s no need to worry about doing them perfectly.

When Should Parents Be Concerned About Speech Delays?

Communication milestones vary, but some signs may warrant a conversation with a medical provider:

Not responding to sounds or voices
Limited babbling or gestures
Not reaching expected communication milestones for their age
Difficulty understanding simple directions
Loss of language skills your child previously had
Concerns about hearing or communication

A provider can review your child’s development and may recommend a hearing evaluation or a speech and language assessment when appropriate.

At the end of the day, you know your child best, and your concern is a good reason to have a provider take a look.

Supporting Your Child’s Communication Development

Communication develops over time and includes much more than spoken words. Smiles, gestures, sounds, and shared moments all play a part. Celebrating each small step can help your child feel encouraged as their skills grow (and allow you to savor this precious time in their lives).

If you have questions about your child’s communication or development, a medical provider can help you understand what to do next.

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