Babies typically begin to make babbling sounds between 4 and 6 months of age, which are important early steps in language development. These babbling sounds include simple syllables like "ba-ba" or "da-da" but aren't yet considered words. Around 9 to 12 months, many babies start saying their first simple words such as "mama" or "dada," often associating the words with the right people. By their first birthday, some babies can say one or two words and understand simple instructions. Between 12 and 18 months, their vocabulary grows further with babies learning new words weekly and starting to use them to express needs and interests. By about 18 to 24 months, toddlers might have a vocabulary of 50 to 100 words and begin combining them into simple two- or three-word phrases (e.g., "my toy," "dog sit"). Around age 3, children start using more complex sentences and can answer simple questions. It's important to remember that every baby develops at their own pace, and variation is normal. If you notice any concerns about your baby's talking milestones, consulting a pediatrician or speech-language therapist can be helpful. In summary:
- Babbling starts: 4-6 months
- First words: 9-12 months
- Vocabulary growth and simple phrases: 12-24 months
- More complex sentences: Around 3 years
These stages are typical milestones in talking development for babies.
