When Do Babies Start Talking? Expert Insights From Stephanie Cohen, M.A., CCC-SLP, CLC
Parents often ask, “When do babies start talking?” Here’s what I share:
The Building Blocks Start Early
Communication begins in the newborn stage! As parents hold and talk to their infants, babies start learning how to make sounds and respond. First comes cooing, then babbling around six to eight months—syllables like “bababa” or “dadada.” These early sounds are practice for meaningful words, which usually emerge closer to one year.
Factors That Influence Talking
Every child develops at their own pace. Genetics, physical growth, and the environment all play a role. Creating a language-rich environment supports communication development:
Narrate daily activities: “Let’s go get your shoes! Time to get in the car!”
Imitate your child: Repeat their sounds and early words.
Use parentese: Speak slowly, with emotion and a singsong tone to capture attention and encourage interaction.
All the Ways Babies “Talk”
Babies communicate in many ways before they speak in full sentences:
Single keyword signs like “eat” or “more”
Words pronounced imperfectly (“baba” for bottle counts!)
Correctly pronounced words
Animal sounds
Jargon—toddler “conversations” that adults can’t understand yet
“These early attempts at communication are adorable and important,” Stephanie notes. “They show that your child is listening, learning, and preparing for real conversation.”
