It’s magical to hear a baby transition from making cooing sounds to attempting words. While the first two years of a child’s life are important speech development phases, no two kiddos are alike. Early childhood education specialists encourage parents to speak to their little ones often. Here is a general guide on what to expect as babies learn to talk.

A General Milestone Timeline for Baby Talk

1. Three Months

Babies are fascinated by the facial expressions of the person talking to them. Speak in a slightly upper register, smile, and make eye contact. By the time an infant is around three months old, you should hear cooing that sounds like singing and is generally repetitive and happy.

2. Six Months

For many babies, their first words are “mama” or “da da.” Early childhood education professionals say it’s common for six-month-old babies to start babbling these words and other repetitive sounds. You may also notice your developing infant can respond to their name.

3. Nine Months

As you continue speaking to your baby, you might notice they recognize the meaning of simple words like “hi,” “bye,” and “kiss.” When they hear new words from their parents and caregivers over and over, they will start to mimic them. At this stage, use different tones of voice and try words with more consonant sounds.

4. Twelve Months

By the time babies reach their first birthday, many will have a small series of words in their vocabulary. Early childhood education specialists say their growing brains are also helping them understand short sentences, including questions like, “Are you ready to eat?”

Speech development varies with each child. The caring and professional staff at Great Beginnings in St. Charles and Cottleville, MO, understand and celebrate each child’s unique differences. There are several activities in place to help them grow and thrive at their own pace — all under the guidance of highly-trained staff. If you’re seeking a vibrant and fun early childhood education center, there are two locations. Call Great Beginnings Learning Center in St. Charles at (636) 724-5048 or Great Beginnings Daycare and Preschool at (636) 447-4212. Check out available programs online.