Growing Babies and Speech Milestones

Baby’s first reactions to mom and dad are some of the most treasured memories for parents. The first time they gaze in your eyes, the first time they smile and the first time they utter words resembling “mommy” or “daddy” are milestones you never forget. However, when baby’s speech seems to be delayed, it is natural for parents to begin to worry and look for possible causes. The ability to hear is essential for proper speech and language development for all developing babies and children. Hearing problems may be suspected in children who are not responding to sounds or who are not developing their language skills appropriately. If you have any questions about your child’s speech development, talk to your health care provider first.

Here are some age-related guidelines for babies up to two years of age that may help to decide if your child is experiencing hearing problems.

Birth to 5 Months:

-Responds to being talked to with coos and other sounds

-Begins to express pleasure and displeasure with different sounds like laughs or cries

6 Months to 11 Months:

-Says “ma-ma” and “da-da”

-Babbles

-Begins to communicate through gestures

-Tries to imitate parents’ sounds or words

-Says first word

12 to 17 Months:

-Can say about four to six words

-Nods head or answers simple questions with gestures

-Better at imitating simple words

-Combines two to three words

18 to 23 Months:

-Can imitate animal noises

-Says up to 50 words

-Begins using pronouns like “mine”

-Uses short phrases of two words

It is important to remember that not every child is the same, and children reach milestones at different ages. Consult your child's health care provider if you are suspicious that your child is not developing speech and language skills correctly.

To find a Utica Park Clinic provider near you, please click here or call 918-579-DOCS.