A 12-month-old baby typically says between one to three words. Common words at this age include simple sounds like "mama," "dada," "hi," and "dog," although these words might not always be clear. By 12 months, most babies have one or two distinct words they use regularly, often as names for parents or familiar objects, and they may use gestures and sounds to communicate as well.
Babies at this stage understand more words than they can say—often around 10 or more—and may respond to simple commands and greetings. They also babble with inflection and try to imitate words they hear, showing early language development.
In summary, a 12-month-old typically says 1-3 recognizable words and uses a mix of babbling, gestures, and imitations to communicate effectively for their age.
