When Do Babies Start Talking?
Most parents often wonder when their babies should start talking. During the early months, babies usually indulge in a lot of baby talk. As they develop mentally and physically, babies gradually learn to express themselves through speech.
The age your baby starts talking varies depending on a wide range of factors. But generally, speech development happens within the first three years of your child’s life. Some babies take longer to speak, while some start talking earlier than usual.
Baby Talking Timeline
0 to 6 months
In case you didn’t know, babies are aware of their environment from when they are born. They listen to everything that’s going on around them. Zero- to six-month-old babies cannot talk; so, they express themselves through crying.
They are also likely to gurgle and try to pronounce vowel sounds. If something makes them happy, they will smile or laugh. Also, at this stage, babies are able to differentiate syllables.
4 to 6 Months
When your baby is around four to six months, they will babble and gurgle more than usual. Here, they will be able to pronounce consonants like b and k. Also, your baby pays more attention to familiar words or words that you constantly pronounce at this age.
For instance, if you frequently call your baby by their name, they will know who they are. So, when they hear their name, their eyes will start looking for the person who called them.
7 to 12 Months
After six months, babies start trying to pronounce full words. So, their babbling will sound like complete words. They start understanding your body language and facial expressions when they get to nine months.
For example, if you point at an object, their attention will shift to it. Also, your child should be able to point to something they want. Your baby will also start coming up with their own words.
Once babies get to one year, they can pronounce common sounds like mama, bye, hi, and doggy. At this age, they also understand the mood from your speech. So, they understand soft, calm, and sharp tones.
13 to 18 Months
Babies are constantly curious. And once they manage to pronounce their first word, they strive to know more. Most babies find it easy to pronounce nouns and easy words like yes and hi. They build their vocabulary slowly, of course, with your help.
It is essential to help your baby figure out the names of certain things. You can teach them the names of objects or read them a baby book during your free time. This helps them learn new vocabulary faster. At this age, your baby will understand simple instructions and short sentences.
19-24 Months
At 19 to 24 months, babies are likely to learn new vocabulary at a fast rate. As a result, babies are curious at this stage. Expect them to question almost everything. Always respond positively; otherwise, you may instill fear in your child.
Babies can learn numerous words in a day at this stage; it depends on how you engage them. When your baby approaches age two, they will be able to formulate a sentence using different words.
Your baby will understand precisely what you are saying. They are most likely to pick your habits and follow after everything you do.
25 to 30 Months
By the time your baby is two, they will try perfecting everything they’ve learned. They start adding verbs to their sentences. Also, they comprehend complicated ideas and sentences.
At this time, your baby has more control of their tongue and lips. Thus, they are able to pronounce complex sounds like th and ph. Moreover, babies start understanding plurals, suffixes, and tenses.
You can help your child learn more by repeating words and sentences they struggle to express.
Three years old
After your baby gets to three years, your child should be able to express entire thoughts in sentences. For instance, they should be able to express sentences like, “Daddy car.” With time, they’ll be able to put more words in a sentence.
In fact, they’ll eventually end up telling you stories of how their day was, among other exciting things. Additionally, your child will begin to follow through with your storylines and reminisce interesting concepts.
It would be best to start reading storybooks to your baby at this time. Consider signing them up for preschool to help them learn faster.
4 to 5 Years
When your child gets to four to five years, you should be able to have long conversations with them. At this stage, they are able to integrate nouns, verbs, and adjectives into one sentence.
Also, they are likely to understand all your conversations. Additionally, your child will be able to express their fears and joys at this age.
Never shout or criticize anything your child is trying to pronounce. Doing this will discourage them and lower their self-esteem. Instead, always try to help your child whenever they try to talk.
Congratulate them for trying and repeating statements to help them learn more. Consider teaching your child new vocabulary now and then.
Baby Words Timeline
It is essential to note that every baby is different. Some babies lag at certain stages. But this should not be a cause for concern. Be patient and let your child grow according to their pace. If your baby has already started pronouncing consonants, they will talk eventually.
Nonetheless, monitor your child. If your child stops babbling and speaking suddenly, then consult a professional pediatrician. At times, babies can develop hearing complications. So, keep a close watch on your child’s developmental changes.
Best Ways to Help Your Child’s Language Development
Get your child’s attention
The first thing to do when trying to help your child improve their speech is to get their attention. Hold and face your baby to indulge them in a conversation that would be entertaining to them. Then, call them by their name to help them know who they are. Start talking about something that is within your environment. For example, you can point an object to them and tell them its name. Doing this helps your baby learn new vocabulary.
Make it fun:
Try your best to make the entire learning process fun for your baby. You can do this by making funny faces as you speak. Try making them laugh and being silly to keep them entertained. You can also use songs to teach your children new vocabulary.
Avoid asking many questions:
When you are teaching your baby new vocabulary, don’t make it feel like a test. Otherwise, you will make your children nervous and fearful. So, don’t ask your baby any questions during the learning process. Instead, speak about what they are doing or what is happening in your environment.
Be patient with them:
Children need more time to think more often than not. Therefore, when you teach them, give them time to process what they have heard. Usually, they will always respond to what you are saying. All you need to do is to be patient with them. Also, doing this gives them a sense of self-independence.
Use layman language:
Don’t complicate the learning process by using a lot of words. Use simple sentences that are relatable and concise. This way, you’ll help them grasp new vocabulary more quickly.
Repeat yourself:
You will need to repeat yourself a couple of times before your baby grasps what you are saying. So, focus on repeating short words and sentences.
Ultimately
Babies start talking from the age of six months. However, babies are always aware of their environment from birth. As they grow older, their speech improves, and they will express themselves in short sentences.
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