Home / Glossary Baby’s First Words By Motherly Editors February 26, 2024 Rectangle Inside this article DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of Baby'S First WordsBaby's First Words FAQWhen do babies usually say their first words?What are some common first words for babies?How can I encourage my baby to say their first words?Should I be concerned if my baby hasn't said their first words by a certain age?What can I do if my baby is struggling with speech development?Related Parenting TermsSources for More Information Table of Contents Toggle DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of Baby'S First WordsBaby's First Words FAQWhen do babies usually say their first words?What are some common first words for babies?How can I encourage my baby to say their first words?Should I be concerned if my baby hasn't said their first words by a certain age?What can I do if my baby is struggling with speech development?Related Parenting TermsSources for More Information Definition Baby’s first words refer to the initial sounds or words that an infant begins to produce, usually between the ages of 10-15 months. These words mark the beginning of a child’s journey into verbal communication. Common first words include “mama,” “dada,” “hi,” “no,” and short, simple nouns like “dog” or “ball.” Key Takeaways Baby’s first words usually emerge between 10 and 15 months old, reflecting their cognitive and social development as they begin to communicate with their parents and caregivers. Parents can encourage early language development by frequently talking and interacting with their babies, using simple, clear, and repetitive words, as well as reading to them regularly. Baby’s first words are often the names of familiar objects or people in their environment, such as “mama” or “dada”, demonstrating the importance of strong bonds and emotional connections. Importance The parenting term “baby’s first words” is important as it signifies a major milestone in a child’s cognitive and linguistic development. It represents the beginning of a child’s journey in communication, allowing them to express their thoughts, emotions, and needs more effectively. As infants transition from babbling to forming comprehensible words, parents can better understand, bond, and engage with their child, further strengthening the parent-child relationship. This milestone serves as an opportunity for parents to gauge their child’s progress and identify any potential developmental delays, allowing for early intervention if necessary. Overall, baby’s first words have a significant impact on a child’s growth both cognitively and emotionally, fostering a strong foundation for future learning and interactions. Explanation Baby’s first words mark a pivotal milestone in a child’s language and cognitive development, serving as an essential building block for their future communication skills. It is the moment when a baby starts to move beyond merely mimicking sounds and gestures, and initiates verbal communication to convey their basic needs or interests. Typically occurring between the ages of 10 and 14 months, a child’s first words can be rudimentary in nature, such as “mama,” “dada,” or “bye,” but their purpose lies in laying the foundation for more complex linguistic structures and fostering social and emotional connections with those around them. Beyond their simplistic nature, the purpose of baby’s first words is to gradually enable a child to understand and engage with the world around them effectively. These early linguistic exchanges are vital for parents and caregivers to better comprehend the infant’s wants, needs, and emotions, allowing them to better support the child’s growth, development, and well-being. As a child progresses from speaking single words to stringing together phrases and sentences, their ability to express themselves and participate in their surroundings continues to expand, continually strengthening their language ability, their relationships with others, and their overall sense of autonomy and self-confidence. Examples of Baby’S First Words Example 1: At around 10-12 months old, a baby might say their first word, such as “dada” or “mama,” while looking at their parent, reflecting their emotional connection and understanding of the association between sounds and people. Example 2: A family from a bilingual home might notice that their baby’s first words include simple words from both languages, such as “agua” (Spanish for water) and “cookie” (English), demonstrating that infants can learn multiple languages from exposure at a young age. Example 3: A baby might be pointing towards their toy and say “ba” or “ta,” mimicking the first syllable of “ball” or “teddy bear.” This illustrates that babies start to associate objects with their respective words, even if they cannot yet pronounce the entire word correctly. Baby’s First Words FAQ When do babies usually say their first words? Most babies start to say their first words between 9 and 14 months of age. This can vary, however, with some babies saying their first words as early as 6 months and others taking up to 18 months. What are some common first words for babies? Some common first words for babies include “mama,” “dada,” “hello,” “bye,” “please,” “thank you,” “yes,” “no,” “uh-oh,” and “more.” How can I encourage my baby to say their first words? You can encourage your baby to say their first words by talking to them regularly, reading to them, singing songs, and repeating simple words often. Also, be patient and give your baby plenty of opportunities to practice. Should I be concerned if my baby hasn’t said their first words by a certain age? It’s important to remember that every child develops at their own pace. However, if your baby has not said their first words by 18 months, it may be a good idea to consult with your pediatrician, who can recommend possible interventions or further assessments if necessary. What can I do if my baby is struggling with speech development? If your baby is having difficulty with speech development, seek advice from your pediatrician, who may recommend a speech therapist for further evaluation and assistance. Also, be patient and persistent in practicing speech with your baby, and encourage them to explore and imitate different sounds and words. Related Parenting Terms Speech Development Language Milestones Early Communication Babbling Parent-Child Interaction Sources for More Information Parents Magazine Healthy Children (American Academy of Pediatrics) PBS Parents BabyCenter Inside this article DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of Baby'S First WordsBaby's First Words FAQWhen do babies usually say their first words?What are some common first words for babies?How can I encourage my baby to say their first words?Should I be concerned if my baby hasn't said their first words by a certain age?What can I do if my baby is struggling with speech development?Related Parenting TermsSources for More Information More terms Fire Safety February 26, 2024 Rupture of membranes April 3, 2024 Leadership Skills For Kids February 26, 2024 Bimanual Training April 2, 2024 Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) April 2, 2024