Language Skills—a Bit About Baby Talk

From their very first cry, you can tell that your baby knows how to communicate, even without words. Of course, this isn’t quite the same as having language skills. Language skills, like using the body and gestures to communicate, will come at your baby’s own pace. You can help further their language development through various types of activities and play.

All babies develop language and communication skills in general stages, though not always at the same pace. There are milestones to look for during your baby’s first year that can help you know what to expect next. Be sure to mention these milestones and your baby’s progress at each doctor appointment.  

Your baby still has a while to go before they can speak, but they’re definitely watching and learning as the people around them communicate—especially parents. 

Some signs to look for: 

• Smiling 
• Cooing and gurgling sounds 
• Turning their head toward different sounds 
• Different cries for different needs 
• Seeming to recognize your voice 

Many babies in this phase are beginning to learn different ways to communicate as they experiment with the different sounds in their environment.  

Some signs to look for: 

• Laughing 
• Using their voice to express happiness or displeasure 
• Babbling and gurgling, even when alone 
• Apparent mimicking of sounds they hear
• Responding to the sounds of toys 
• Responding to changes in the tone of your voice 

At this age, your baby’s attempts at vocal communication are becoming more obvious through their intentional attempts to communicate with you vocally as they acquire more skills and abilities.  

Some signs to look for: 

• Understanding basic words like “no” and “bye-bye” 
• Using a wider range of consonants and vowels 
• Copying gestures and sounds 
• Making sounds like “bababa” and “dadada” 
• Pointing at things and people 

In this phase, many babies start to understand simple commands and requests. They’ll also mimic more of the sounds they hear as they develop basic language skills.  

Some signs to look for: 

• Responding to simple requests like “stop” and “no-no” 
• Following simple instructions like “come here” 
• Saying a few words, like “mama,” “dada,” and “uh-oh” 
• Recognizing simple words for objects, like “shoe” 
• Immediately imitating sounds 
• Changes their tone while making sounds, similar to speech    

You have a voice in your baby’s language development 

There are many ways you can help your baby develop their language and communication skills during their first year. Try some of these simple exercises and tips:  

• Talk to your baby frequently 
• Read to your baby and point at the pictures as you read 
• When your baby points at something, tell them what they’re pointing at 
• Imitate your baby’s sounds and encourage them to imitate you—pretend to have a conversation  
• Praise them when they imitate you 
• Describe what you’re doing when they’re watching you, like “washing dishes” or “folding clothes” 
• Point out colors and shapes 
• Add on to what your baby says. For example, if they say, “Mama,” respond with, “Mama loves you! Where is baby? There you are!” 
• Describe what you’re doing when you give your baby a bath, change their diaper, clothe them, or take them places 
• Sing simple songs  

References:

1. Important milestones: your child by one year. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated March 31, 2022. Accessed February 5, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-1yr.html 
2. Language development: speech milestones for babies. Mayo Clinic. Updated March 11, 2023. Accessed February 5, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/language-development/art-20045163 
3. Your baby’s first words. WebMD. Accessed February 5, 2025. https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby-talk-your-babys-first-words#1 
4. Child development: infants (0-1 year of age). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed February 5, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/child-development/positive-parenting-tips/infants.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/infants.html
5. Activities to encourage speech and language development. ASHA. Accessed February 5, 2025. https://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/Activities-to-Encourage-Speech-and-Language-Development/
6. Luckenbill J. 12 ways to support language development for infants and toddlers. NAEYC. Accessed February 5, 2025. https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/support-language-development-infants-and-toddlers