Language

Cooing, babbling, first words and sentences

Language develops long before a baby says their first word — it starts with listening and watching.

2 months

Cooing

Your baby begins making happy vowel sounds — ooo, ahh.

4–8 months

Babbling

Your baby experiments with sounds — ba ba ba, da da da, ma ma ma.

6–9 months

Responding to Name

Your baby may turn when hearing their name called.

10–15 months

First Word

Many children begin using their first meaningful word — mama, dada, ball, dog. The word should be used consistently and with meaning.

18–24 months

Two-Word Phrases

Examples include: more milk, mommy up, big truck.

2–3 years

Simple Sentences

Children begin combining multiple words to express ideas and tell simple stories.