What I wish I had known about my baby's first words
Babbling, pointing, mama and dada: how first words usually develop between six and twelve months, easy everyday ways to help, and when to check your baby's hearing.
By PreggieLover 3 min read
"Did she just say 'Dada'?" My husband was certain. I was less sure; she had been saying "dadadada" to the washing machine all morning. Looking back, I wish someone had told me that first words are not a single moment but a long, beautiful process. Here are the things I wish I had known, gathered so you can enjoy this stage with less worry.
1. Babbling is talking practice
Around six months, many babies start babbling with repeated sounds like "bababa" or "dadada". By around nine months, babbling often sounds more like real speech, rising and falling as if your baby is telling you a long story. This is your baby practising the sounds and rhythms of your language. Every babble is worth answering.
2. "Mama" and "Dada" may come before they mean anything
Those sounds are easy to make, so they often appear early. Around ten to twelve months, many babies begin using them on purpose for the right person. The first clear word often arrives around twelve months, but anywhere from about ten to fifteen months is common. Some babies say a few words early; others understand a great deal before saying much at all.
3. Understanding comes before speaking
By the end of the first year, many babies:
- Turn when they hear their name
- Understand "no" and simple words like "bye-bye", "milk" or "bath"
- Look at familiar objects or people when you name them
- Follow simple actions like waving or clapping
Your baby is storing up words long before they can say them.
4. Pointing and gestures are part of language
Waving, reaching up to be lifted, shaking the head, and especially pointing to show you something are early forms of communication. Notice them and respond: "Yes, that's a dog! A big brown dog."
5. The best teacher is ordinary conversation
You do not need flashcards or special programmes. Try these every day:
- Narrate your day. "Now we are washing the cup. Splash, splash. All clean."
- Follow your baby's lead. Talk about what they are looking at or holding.
- Take turns. Babble back, pause, and wait for a reply.
- Use simple, repeated words and real names for things.
- Sing and say rhymes. Repetition and rhythm help babies hear the shape of words.
- Read together every day, even for just a few minutes. Point to pictures and name them.
6. Screens do not teach like people do
Babies learn language best from real people who respond to them. Most experts advise keeping screen time to a minimum at this age, apart from video calls with family. Background television also reduces how much you talk together, so try to keep it off when you can.
7. More than one language is a gift
If your family speaks more than one language, such as English and Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Welsh or Polish, speak the language you are most comfortable and fluent in. Bilingual babies may mix languages early on, and that is normal. Growing up with two languages does not cause language delay.
8. Hearing matters, and checks are simple
Talk to your health visitor or doctor if:
- Your baby does not turn towards sounds or respond to their name by around nine to twelve months
- Your baby has stopped babbling or seems quieter than before
- Your baby is not using any gestures, like pointing or waving, by around twelve months
- Your baby has frequent ear infections or you have any concerns about their hearing
- Your baby loses any skills they had
Hearing tests can be done at any age. Early checks bring peace of mind, or early support if it is needed.
Strength from small mouths
David marvelled at what God does through the very youngest:
"Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger." (Psalm 8:2, KJV)
Before your baby speaks a single word, their life already declares something about God's goodness. One day, perhaps, one of their early words will be a prayer. For now, every babble is a small song of praise.
A prayer for first words
Lord, thank You for my baby's voice. Help me listen as well as I speak. Fill our home with kind words, songs and stories, and let my child grow up hearing about Your love. Guard their hearing and their growing mind. Amen.
Frequently asked questions
When do babies say their first word?
Many babies say their first clear word around twelve months, but anywhere from about ten to fifteen months is common.
When should I worry about my baby's hearing?
Talk to your health visitor or doctor if your baby does not respond to sounds or their name by around nine to twelve months, stops babbling, or loses skills.
Will speaking two languages delay my baby's speech?
No. Bilingual babies may mix languages at first, but growing up with two languages does not cause language delay.
This article is for general information and encouragement, not medical advice. Please talk to your doctor or midwife about your own health and your baby's.
