There is no set age when all babies suddenly start talking but you can expect to hear their first recognisable words between 12 and 18 months.
Their language development should have gone through several milestones by this point, from crying to cooing to babbling and beyond. At the age of one, while they may only have a single word in their vocabulary, such as "mama", you may be able to deduce their intended meaning simply by their intonation.
How parents communicate with their babies can make a big difference to their development. Over this period they are learning not only to talk but to listen and understand.
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How can I help my baby learn to talk?
Parents should lead by example to help their babies learn to talk. Chatting, singing, repeating and gesturing can all teach lessons about the basics of communication.
The NHS advises taking the following steps:
0 to 6 months – look at them while talking; chat about what you are doing; sing to them; repeat the sounds they make back to them; talk in a sing-song voice
6 to 12 months – name and point at objects; look at books with them; play games (eg peek-a-boo); only offer a dummy when it is bedtime
12 to 18 months – sing nursery rhymes and songs together; offer choices that require a response; correct any mistakes gently
18 to 24 months – repeat new words; use simple instructions; ask "where's your..." questions; limit screen time to 30 minutes maximum
2 to 3 years – help them build sentences; say their name to get their attention; use sounds with meaning (eg "meow" when talking about a cat); teach them about word groups (eg "teddy", "rattle" and "toy"); talk while doing chores; avoid background noise when talking to them
What should I do if I am concerned about my baby's development?
Talk to your GP or health visitor if you are concerned about your child's speech or language development, the NHS advises. They can then refer your case to a local speech and language therapy department, if necessary.
Parents can also self-refer if they prefer to speak to a specialist directly. More information can be found on the I Can website.
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