Speech & Language Milestones for Babies: What to Expect in the First Year
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A baby’s first year is full of exciting developmental changes—and that includes communication. From coos to babbles, every sound your baby makes lays the foundation for speech and language.
​0–3 Months:
At this stage, babies communicate mainly by crying. But they’re already learning—responding to sounds, recognizing voices, and making cooing or gurgling noises.
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4–6 Months:
Babies begin to explore their voice more, babbling with different sounds like “ba” or “da.” They’ll react to voices, show interest in music, and may even turn their head toward sounds.
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7–9 Months:
Your little one starts to understand more. They may respond to their name, understand simple words like “no,” and use gestures like waving. Babbling becomes more complex, with repetitive sounds.
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10–12 Months:
Around the one-year mark, many babies say their first word (like “mama” or “dada”) with meaning. They begin to understand simple commands and might imitate words or sounds.
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When to Seek Support:
Every baby develops at their own pace, but if your child isn't meeting certain milestones—like responding to sound or attempting to communicate—it may be helpful to consult a speech-language pathologist.
