Baby Words - Speech and Language Development

This page presents information on the development of language in children. The chart below presents typical language development. There is a wide range of normal development. Most children will not follow the chart to the letter. It is presented so you will know what to expect for your child. If your child seems significantly behind in language development, you should talk with your child's physician regarding your questions and concerns.

1-3 months

Infants listen intently to human voices and respond by cooing and smiling.
At this time, babies communicate mainly by crying to make their needs known.
They begin to exhibit an increasing variety of vowel sounds.
Babies will smile in response to others who are smiling.
Visual tracking emerges.
Babbling begins in the 3rd to 4th month.
Babies recognize caregiver's voice and will turn toward that voice.

4-6 months

Babbling occurs with an increasing number and variety of sounds.
Babies begin to recognize familiar faces.
They will demonstrate different cries for different needs or reasons.
Imitation of some sounds begins.
Babies will exhibit interest in cause and effect activities.
They begin babbling using two or more syllables.
Babies will explore objects with their mouths.

7-9 months

Babies readily engage in peek-a-boo type activities.
They show distress when others are unhappy.
Infants understand simple directional commands.
Imitation of sounds continues.

10-12 months

Babies now understand the concept of object permanence.
They understand the concept of "no."
Babies begin to utter first words (typically "dada" or "mama").
They are beginning to comprehend functional use of some objects.
Will identify some items by pointing or imitating objects named by others.

12-18 months

Babies begin to identify some familiar people.
They will identify some body parts on themselves.
Will identify objects when asked.
By 18 months, may have a vocabulary of approximately 15 words.
Will wave "bye-bye" when prompted.

By 24 months

They will have a vocabulary of approximately 250 words.
They will have a significant growth in their language development.
They are beginning to combine words into phrases.