When Do Babies Start Talking? A Guide to Speech Development

4 min read

Quick answer: Most babies say their first recognisable words by around 12 months, though this varies, and most have 1–10 words by 15 months. Before that they coo from birth, babble from 3–6 months, and use gestures like waving and pointing from 9–12 months. Speak to your GP or health visitor if there are no words at all by 18 months.

What parents need to know

Hearing your baby say their first word is one of the most magical moments of parenthood. But long before that first "mama" or "dada," your baby is communicating in all sorts of ways — and you can start supporting their language development from the very beginning.

First words	Typically by 12 months, though this varies
By 15 months	Most babies have 1–10 words
Babbling begins	3–6 months, simple sounds like "ooh" and "aah"
Gestures	Waving, clapping, pointing from 9–12 months
Screen time	Avoid under 18 months, except video calls

How language development unfolds

Speech and language development is a gradual process that starts at birth and continues well into childhood. Here's a general guide to what's typical at each stage.

0–3 months

Responds to familiar voices, especially yours
Startles at loud sounds
Makes small cooing sounds
Cries differently for different needs

3–6 months

Babbling begins – simple sounds like "ooh" and "aah"
Laughing and giggling
Turns towards the source of a sound
Responds to their own name

6–9 months

More complex babbling with consonants: "ba," "da," "ma"
Imitates sounds and facial expressions
Uses sounds to express feelings
Enjoys back-and-forth "conversation" games

9–12 months

Babbling becomes more varied and speech-like
Understands simple words and phrases like "no" and "bye-bye"
Begins to use gestures – waving, clapping, pointing
May say first recognisable words – typically by 12 months, though this varies

12–18 months

Most babies have 1–10 words by 15 months
Points to show things of interest
Follows simple one-step instructions
Vocabulary begins to expand rapidly

What counts as a "word"?

A first word doesn't have to sound like the adult version. A baby who consistently uses "ba" to mean their bottle, or "woo-woo" for dog, is using words. What matters is consistency and intention — using the same sound to mean the same thing.

How to help your baby's language development

Talk to them constantly

Narrate your day. Tell them what you're doing, what you can see, what's coming next. Even when they can't respond, they're absorbing every word. Research shows that the sheer volume of language a baby hears in their first years has a profound impact on their development.

Read together

Reading aloud to your baby from birth is one of the most powerful things you can do for their language development. Board books with simple pictures and repetitive text are ideal for young babies.

Sing

Nursery rhymes and songs help babies tune into the rhythm and patterns of language. The repetition is genuinely beneficial, not just entertaining.

Respond to their communication

When your baby babbles, respond as if they've said something meaningful. Look at them, smile, reply. These "serve and return" interactions are fundamental to brain and language development.

Reduce screen time

The NHS and WHO recommend avoiding screen time for babies under 18 months (except video calls). Passive screen exposure doesn't support language development the same way live interaction does.

When to seek advice

Speak to your GP or health visitor if your baby:

Doesn't make eye contact or respond to their name by 12 months
Isn't pointing or using gestures by 12 months
Has no words at all by 18 months
Has fewer than 50 words by age 2, or isn't combining words
Loses any speech or language skills they previously had

Early referral to a speech and language therapist (SALT) can make a significant difference. Don't wait and see if you have concerns.

Frequently asked questions

When do babies say their first word?

Babies may say their first recognisable words typically by 12 months, though this varies. Most have between one and ten words by 15 months, after which vocabulary begins to expand rapidly.

What counts as a baby's first word?

It doesn't have to sound like the adult version. A baby who consistently uses "ba" for their bottle, or "woo-woo" for dog, is using words. What matters is consistency and intention.

When should I worry about my baby not talking?

Speak to your GP or health visitor if your baby has no words at all by 18 months, isn't pointing or responding to their name by 12 months, or loses speech skills they previously had.

How can I help my baby learn to talk?

Narrate your day, read aloud from birth, sing nursery rhymes, and respond to babbling as if meaningful. The NHS and WHO recommend avoiding screen time for babies under 18 months, except video calls.

Sources & further reading

General information, not individual medical advice. Speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor about your baby’s needs.