#asktheexpert On what age Amyra will start to speak?

1 Answer

POOJA KOTHARIMom of a 8 yr 6 m old boy10 months ago

A. Typically, babies start to speak their first words around 12 months (1 year). However, the exact age at which a child begins speaking can vary from one child to another. Here’s a general timeline of speech development milestones: Speech Milestones for Babies: Around 6 months: Babies begin making a variety of sounds like cooing, babbling, and experimenting with different noises (e.g., "ba-ba," "da-da"). These are early signs of speech development. Around 9-12 months: Your baby might start saying their first simple words, like “mama” or “dada.” At this stage, they understand more than they can express. Around 12-18 months: Most children begin using one or two words intentionally, like “no,” “bye,” or the names of family members or favorite things. They may start mimicking words or sounds they hear. 18-24 months: By this age, many children begin to form simple two-word combinations (e.g., "want cookie" or "go outside"). Tips to Encourage Speech: 1. Talk to her often: Even if she can’t speak yet, talking to her regularly and narrating your activities helps build her language skills. 2. Read to her: Reading books with simple pictures and words can encourage language development. 3. Sing songs and nursery rhymes: Singing repetitive songs or rhymes can help your baby learn words and sounds. 4. Respond to her babbling: When she makes sounds or tries to speak, respond to her as if you're having a conversation. This reinforces communication. Every child develops speech at their own pace, so if Amira hasn't spoken her first words by 12 months, it’s not necessarily a cause for concern. However, if you notice a delay in language development after 18 months or if you have any concerns, it’s a good idea to consult your pediatrician for guidance.