Baby Talk 101: When Do Babies Start Talking?

Your baby’s first word is a major milestone and a reminder that your little one is growing, learning, and finding their voice. But like most developmental stages, talking doesn’t happen at the same time for every child. Some babies babble non-stop from six months, while others may take their time before stringing words together. So, when do babies really start talking? And what can you do to support their speech development? Let’s break it down.

How Babies Learn to Talk

Babies learn to talk by watching and listening to the people around them. From the moment they’re born, they’re tuning in to the sound of your voice, the rhythm of your speech, and how words and emotions go together.

Here’s how it works:

• Listening helps them recognise sounds and words.
• Watching your mouth and face teaches them how to form those sounds.
• Trying to copy sounds builds their confidence and coordination.

Language development is a skill that builds over time, just like walking or feeding themselves. And just like those skills, it takes lots of practice and plenty of encouragement from you.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Common causes of speech & language delays in children

Stages of Speech Development

Speech doesn’t happen overnight and it builds step by step. From early coos and babbles to those first meaningful words, each stage of speech development is a milestone. Understanding what typically happens at each age can help you know what to expect and how to support your baby’s growing language skills. Let’s break down the speech journey by age.

0–3 Months: Early Sounds and Awareness

• Your baby communicates through crying.
• You may hear soft cooing and vowel-like sounds: “ahhh,” “ooh.”
• They respond to familiar voices and sounds by turning their head or calming down.

This stage is all about listening, comfort and early sound recognition. You must read: Babies prefer the sounds of other babies to the cooing and babytalk of their parents.

4–6 Months: Babbling Begins

• Your baby starts babbling: “ba-ba,” “ma-ma,” “da-da.”
• They giggle and squeal when happy.
• They make different sounds to express different needs or moods.

This is their version of talking and it’s their way of practising speech sounds.

7–12 Months: Understanding Grows

• Your baby might say their first real word.
• They start recognising names of people, pets, and common objects.
• They wave “bye-bye” and point to things they want.

At this stage, words may not be clear, but the intent is real—and that’s a big step.

12–18 Months: First Real Words

• Most babies say 5–20 clear words by 18 months.
• They can follow simple instructions like “come here” or “give me the ball.”
• They use single words to express entire thoughts—like “milk” meaning “I want milk.”

Some children also start combining gestures with words.

18–24 Months: Vocabulary Grows

• Many toddlers have a vocabulary of 50+ words.
• They begin combining two words: “more juice,” “mummy car.”
• They point to body parts, name familiar objects, and ask “what’s that?”

This is a time of exciting, fast language development.

2–3 Years: Full of Chat

• Your child begins speaking in three or more word sentences.
• They ask lots of questions like “Why?”, “What’s that?”, “Where’s daddy?”
• Strangers can understand more of what they’re saying.

By age 3, children often have a vocabulary of around 200–300 words or more.

What Counts as Talking?

Talking isn’t just about saying full words. Early communication includes babbling, gestures, and even simple sounds that carry meaning. If your baby says “ba” while pointing to a bottle and that counts! These small steps are important signs that language is developing. Early communication includes:

• Babbling with purpose
• Pointing and gesturing
• Using tone to express a feeling (e.g. shouting when frustrated)
• Saying one word with clear meaning like “up” to be picked up

So, if your baby isn’t saying full words yet but is clearly trying to communicate, they’re already on their way.

MUST READ: Encouraging language development in children at every age

How You Can Help Your Baby Talk

You play a big role in helping your baby learn to talk. Simple, everyday moments like chatting during nappy changes or singing nursery rhymes, build your child’s language skills. The more you talk, listen, and respond, the more confident your baby becomes in using their own voice. Here’s how to support their speech every day:

Talk, Talk, Talk

Describe everything:
“We’re putting on your socks.”
“Look! A red car!”

The more words they hear, the more they’ll learn.

Read Together

Even at a few months old, babies enjoy looking at books. Choose ones with big pictures, simple text and repetition.

Sing Songs and Rhymes

Nursery rhymes like “Twinkle, Twinkle” or “The Wheels on the Bus” teach rhythm and new words.

Repeat and Expand

If your child says “dog,” you can say, “Yes, that’s a big brown dog!” This builds vocabulary naturally.

Give Them Time to Respond

Pause during conversations even if they don’t have words yet. It teaches them the pattern of taking turns in communication.

Is It Normal If My Baby Isn’t Talking Yet?

Yes many babies talk later than others. Some say their first words at 9 months, others closer to 18. However, it’s a good idea to check in with your GP or a speech therapist if:

• Your baby isn’t babbling by 9 months
• They aren’t saying any words by 18 months
• They don’t follow simple instructions by 2 years
• They’ve stopped using words they once knew

Early support can help your child catch up more easily.

Why Do Some Babies Talk Later Than Others?

It’s completely normal for children to start talking at different times. Some are early chatterboxes, while others take a bit longer. Factors like family history, personality, hearing ability, and how much language they’re exposed to can all influence when a baby starts to talk. Talking age can be influenced by:

• Family history: If one or both parents were late talkers, the child might be too.
• Personality: Some children are more cautious and prefer to observe first.
• Bilingual households: It’s normal for speech to develop a little later, but both languages benefit the brain long-term.
• Premature birth or hearing issues: These can also affect speech timing.

Common Myths About Baby Talk

There’s a lot of advice out there about how and when babies should start talking but not all of it is true. From old wives’ tales to well-meaning family tips, it’s easy to get confused. Let’s clear up some of the most common myths about baby talk and what really supports speech development.

❌ “Boys talk later than girls” – Some do, but not all. Development varies widely.

❌ “Dummies delay speech” – Long-term use may limit babbling, but using a dummy for comfort is fine.

❌ “TV helps babies learn words” – Children learn best from people, not screens. Passive viewing doesn’t help with speech.

Speech vs Language: What’s the Difference?

Speech and language are closely linked, but they’re not the same thing. Speech is about how we say words -our sounds and pronunciation – while language is about understanding and using words to communicate. Knowing the difference can help you better track your child’s development.

• Speech is how we say words -sounds, pronunciation, fluency.
• Language is the meaning behind the words -understanding and using them.

Some children understand lots of words (good language skills) but struggle to pronounce them (speech delay). Both are important.

When to Ask for Help

While every child develops at their own pace, there are times when a delay in speech might need extra support. If you’re unsure about your child’s progress or something doesn’t feel right, it’s always okay to seek advice. Early help can make a big difference. Speak to your doctor or a speech-language therapist if:

• Your child isn’t communicating at all (not even gestures)
• They’ve lost skills they used to have
• You feel something “isn’t quite right”

There’s no harm in checking. Early help is powerful.

Talking and Other Development

Learning to talk is closely linked to many other areas of your baby’s growth. As their language skills develop, so do their social, emotional, and problem-solving abilities. Talking helps your child connect with others, express their needs, and make sense of the world around them. Speech supports so many other areas of development:

• Social skills: learning to share, play, and take turns
• Emotional wellbeing: expressing feelings reduces frustration
• Problem-solving: asking for help or naming a need

That’s why encouraging speech helps your child grow in many ways.

DISCOVER FURTHER: Baby developmental milestones: birth to 24 months

Best Tools to Encourage Talking

You don’t need fancy gadgets to support your baby’s speech, just the right tools and playful moments. Books, toys, songs, and everyday chats all help build language naturally. Here are some simple, effective ways to make talking fun and part of your daily routine.

• Books with bold pictures and few words
• Toys that involve pretend play (dolls, animals, kitchens)
• Songs and finger rhymes
• Simple conversations during daily routines like bath or mealtime

Conclusion

Every baby’s speech journey is different. Some take off quickly, others go at their own pace. What matters most is that you create a rich, loving, and talk-filled environment. With your support, patience, and encouragement, your little one will find their voice when they’re ready.

ALSO READ: 5 Surprising Benefits of Nursery Rhymes for Babies

FAQs

When should my baby say their first word?

Most babies say a first word between 10 and 14 months but a bit earlier or later can still be normal.

Is it bad if my baby isn’t talking at 18 months?

Not necessarily. If your child is babbling, responding, and understands what you say, they may just be a late talker. Ask your doctor if you’re unsure.

Does screen time delay talking?

Too much passive screen time can reduce opportunities to learn language. Interactive play is best for speech development.

Can I use “baby talk”?

Yes! Using a sing-song voice and simple words helps babies learn. Just also include real words.

How do I know if my baby understands me?

They may follow instructions, point to objects, or react to their name and these are all great signs.

References

• NHS. (2023). Help your baby learn to talk. 🔗 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/play-and-learning/help-your-baby-learn-to-talk/
• CDC. (2023). Milestones – Language/Communication. 🔗 https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html
• Mayo Clinic. (2023). Speech delay in toddlers. 🔗 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/language-development/art-20045163
• Raising Children Network Australia. (2023). Language development: 0–8 years. 🔗 https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/development/language-development/language-development-0-8
• Speech-Language and Audiology South Africa (SASLHA). 🔗 https://www.saslha.co.za

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