10 Oct What Is The Normal Age To Start Talking?
Watching your child reach new milestones is one of the joys of parenting. One of the most exciting moments is when your child says their first words. You might wonder, “When should my child start talking?” At Continuum Pediatrics, we’re here to help you understand what to expect as your child begins to communicate.
When Do Babies Start Talking?
Babies typically start to make babbling sounds between 4 and 6 months of age. This babbling includes sounds like “ba-ba” or “da-da.” While these sounds aren’t words yet, they’re important steps in language development.
Around 9 to 12 months, many babies begin to say simple words like “mama” or “dada” and might even associate them with the right person. By their first birthday, some babies can say one or two words and understand simple instructions.
Between 12 and 18 months, your child’s vocabulary will start to grow. They may learn new words each week and begin to use them to express their needs and interests.
By 2 years old, most children can:
- Use short phrases like “more juice” or “all done.”
- Follow simple directions.
- Point to objects or pictures when named.
- Say about 50 words or more.
Language Development Milestones
Here’s a general timeline of language milestones:
Birth to 3 Months:
Reacts to loud sounds, smiles when spoken to, and makes cooing noises.
4 to 6 Months:
Babbles with many different sounds, laughs, and vocalizes excitement or displeasure.
7 to 12 Months:
Understands “no” and simple instructions, uses gestures like waving, and says basic words like “mama.”
1 to 2 Years:
Points to body parts, follows simple commands, combines two words, and builds a vocabulary of several words.
2 to 3 Years:
Uses two- to three-word sentences, understands differences like “big” and “small,” and can be understood most of the time by family members.
How to Support Your Child’s Language Development
Talk Often:
Narrate your day and describe what you’re doing. This exposes your child to new words.
Read Together:
Reading books helps build vocabulary and stimulates imagination.
Sing Songs and Rhymes:
Music and rhythm make learning language fun and engaging.
Listen and Respond:
Pay attention to your child’s attempts to communicate and respond with words.
Encourage Imitation:
Make sounds and encourage your child to mimic them.
When to Be Concerned
Every child develops at their own pace, but consider talking to your pediatrician if:
By 12 Months:
Your child isn’t using gestures like pointing or waving bye-bye.
By 16 Months:
They haven’t spoken any words.
By 24 Months:
They aren’t using simple two-word phrases.
At Any Age:
You notice a loss of speech or social skills they once had.
Early intervention can make a big difference if there are delays in language development.
Possible Reasons for Delays
Hearing Problems:
Difficulty hearing can affect speech development.
Developmental Conditions:
Conditions like autism spectrum disorder can impact communication.
Environmental Factors:
Limited exposure to language or responsive communication can slow development.
We’re Here to Help
At Continuum Pediatrics, we understand your concerns and are here to support you. If you have questions about your child’s speech and language development, please reach out to us. Together, we can ensure your child gets the help they need.
Contact Us
Feel free to call our office to schedule an appointment or speak with one of our caring pediatricians. Your child’s health and development are our top priorities.
Enjoy the Journey
Hearing your child speak for the first time is a memorable experience. With your support and encouragement, your child will continue to grow and communicate in amazing ways. Remember, we’re here to help every step of the way.