Every parent marvels at that first smile, that curious glance and, before you know it, the irresistible gaga-goo of your baby’s early “words.” From newborn coos to a babbling symphony at one year, the first twelve months are a whirlwind of growth, for both body and budding communication skills. Understanding this journey helps you encourage language development and spot when a helping hand from a speech therapist can make all the difference.
Month 1–3: The Roots of Communication
- Newborns respond to your voice, turn toward faces and find comfort in your gentle speech.
- Their “coos” and cries are their first tools for expressing needs and emotions.
- You can help by narrating daily routines (“I’m changing your nappy now,” “Let’s go for a walk!”) and mirroring their sounds with playful echoes.
Month 4–6: Experimenting with Sound
- At about four months, babies begin vocal play: gurgles, laughter and extended “ooo” or “aaa” sounds.
- They track your eyes, respond to tone changes, and delight in simple games like peek-a-boo.
- Encourage them by varying your pitch, singing lullabies and maintaining lots of eye contact.
Month 7–9: Babbling Takes Centre Stage
- Around seven months, consonant-vowel combinations—“ba-ba,” “ma-ma,” “da-da”—become common.
- Babies start to understand simple words like “no” or their name; they may point or reach for objects.
- Build on this by labeling toys (“Here’s your teddy”), pausing to let them try sounds, and celebrating every effort.
Month 10–12: First Words and Beyond
- By their first birthday, many little ones will say 1–3 recognisable words (“mama,” “dada,” “ball”) and understand dozens more.
- They use gestures, waving, shaking their head and may combine sounds and movements to make requests.
- Foster progress with picture books, naming daily objects, and playing turn-taking games that encourage response.
When to Seek Support
Every baby develops at their own pace, but you might consider a speech-language evaluation if by 12 months your baby:
- Makes few or no sounds
- Struggles to bond with eye contact or respond to their name
- Uses gestures very little (no pointing or waving)
Early guidance can be transformative. A paediatric speech therapist helps you tailor simple, play-based activities to your baby’s unique style and keeps development on track.
At Laura Cramb Speech Therapy, we cherish those small breakthroughs from the first squeal of delight to that milestone word. Our gentle, family-focused approach empowers you with fun, evidence-based strategies that turn everyday moments into learning opportunities. Whether you’re curious about typical milestones or ready for personalised support, we’re here to help your little one find their voiceone coo, babble and word at a time.
Ready to nurture your baby’s communication journey? Visit us at lauracrambspeechtherapyinc.co.za or call +27 72 667 0883 to learn more.
