Babies do not start talking at the same age, and there is no exact time when speech begins. From birth, babies communicate through sounds that slowly become clearer. Around 9 months, many babies begin combining syllables like “mama” or “dada,” and by about 12 months they usually try to imitate words spoken by adults.
Speech develops gradually as the baby grows. Early on, crying is the main form of communication, followed by babbling and simple sounds. Over the first year, babies start responding to their name, understanding simple words like “no,” and copying sounds they hear. Between 1 and 2 years, vocabulary increases, and short phrases often begin to appear.
Each baby develops at their own pace, but regular interaction plays an important role. Talking to the baby, naming objects, reading, singing, and responding to sounds can all support language development. Using clear, correct words instead of baby talk helps reinforce learning.
If a baby does not make sounds, respond to voices, or show progress in speech milestones, it is important to discuss this with a pediatrician. In some cases, referral to a speech-language pathologist may be recommended to support healthy language development.