The first words a baby says are usually simple sounds like "mama," "dada," or "ba-ba."
Babies start babbling around 4-6 months old. These early sounds are often called "cooing" and "gooing."
By 10-12 months, babies begin to understand and respond to some words.
The first words typically appear around 12 months old, but this can vary depending on the individual child.
Factors that influence a baby's first words:
- Hearing: Babies need to hear language spoken regularly to learn.
- Environment: A stimulating environment with lots of opportunities for interaction helps babies learn language.
- Genetics: Some babies are naturally more verbal than others.
Examples of common first words:
- Mama
- Dada
- Ba-ba
- Up
- No
- Ball
- Dog
- Cat
Remember, every baby develops at their own pace. There is no need to worry if your baby isn't talking yet. Just keep talking to them, reading to them, and providing them with opportunities to interact with the world around them.
