Language Development in Babies and Supporting Speech

Introduction

Language development begins in the very first months, as your baby listens to sounds and imitates them. Everyday interaction is the strongest support for learning to talk.

What to Expect at These Ages

Around 9 months: making strings of different syllables and looking when their name is called
Around 12 months: gestures such as waving, and calling a parent by a special name
Around 15 months: trying to say one or two words other than “mama/dada”
Around 18 months: trying to say at least three words other than “mama/dada” and understanding simple one-step directions

These are developmental signs that most children can show at the given age; they do not make a diagnosis. If something is missing, ask for an evaluation instead of waiting with the thought that “they'll talk eventually.” For babies born early, discuss with your doctor how to use corrected age.

Supporting Speech

Talk with your baby throughout the day; describe out loud what you are doing
Read books and name the pictures
Encourage repetition with songs and rhymes
Build "turn-taking" by responding to the sounds your baby makes
Choose face-to-face interaction over screens

When Is an Evaluation Needed?

A clear decrease in responding to sounds and to their name
No cooing, gestures or eye contact, or the loss of them
A clear delay in the language milestones expected for their age

In these situations, talk to your pediatrician; a hearing and developmental evaluation may be needed. If your child loses words or social skills they had already gained, do not wait.

Summary

The strongest support for language development is warm, repeated everyday interaction. Talking, reading and responding to your baby's sounds nourish development; if there is a clear delay or a concern about hearing, contact a healthcare provider.

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