Are you excited to hear baby's first words or want to know when they start talking?
Anywhere from 12 to 18 months baby should start talking. Here's a complete guide to help your little learner develop their vocabulary.
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Babbling vs Talking
Babies first learn to babble and say different sounds. This is usually around 6-9 months.
When your baby starts actually saying words that they are repeating from you happens a little later (anywhere from 12-18 months).
Both are the cutest as can be.
How to encourage your little one
Talk to them! Babies even when they are young are curious and absorbing so much information.
As they start to babble and learn how to make sounds, interact with them and make it fun.
Another important thing to remember is to be patient with them. Little ones can be loud talkers, so get used to being a little more noisy when you are out and about.
How to build their vocabulary
- Reading books together- even if they are just the board books. The more words and sounds and phrases they hear, the more their brains will learn.
- Singing- just like with books, songs can have a big impact on little learners.
- Listen to music-find some fun nursery rhymes to listen to with baby.
- Repeat words for items baby likes playing with.
- Talking to them even when they are still very young and can't understand.
How many words should my 1 year old know?
According to KidsHealth.org, baby should know 1-3 words (typically mama and dada).
Every child is different though, some will know more and others might be late talkers.
If you are concerned bring it up to your pediatrician. After all, your mama instinct is there for a reason!
Baby Talk FAQ
According to the American Speech Language Hearing Association, bilingual babies can usually say their first words around 12 months old.
After 18 months, if your little one is still refusing to talk, it's a good idea to talk with your pediatrician. They might recommend you see a speech therapist to help your little one.
There could be a number of reasons including hearing problems, an underlying neurological problem, developmental delay, or you have a very stubborn little one who wants to learn on their own time.
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