When will my baby say their first word?

Most babies say their first word between 1 year to 18months their. However, some babies may take a little longer.

Does my newborn understand what I am saying?

Yes, your newborn recognises your voice. While they may not understand exactly what you are saying, they are still listening. Talk to your baby often, smile, maintain eye contact, and respond to their sounds. These tiny interactions build early communication skills.

A Parent's Roadmap to Helping Your Child Communicate from Birth to Age 5

From the day you feel those little kicks in your tummy, your communication with your baby starts. Yes, your baby can hear you even before they are born. And, just as exciting as it is to speak to them while rubbing your belly, it becomes even more beautiful when you finally hold them and watch how they respond to your voice.

When you communicate with your baby, you don’t just talk, you connect with them. From little coos to smiles to howling cries, your baby has their own way of communicating. As they grow, their language also grows. And the most important role here is the one you play. Your role as parents is the most significant when it comes to shaping their communication growth.

How does communication with babies work?

Birth to 6 Months: Your Baby’s First Connection

Your baby starts communicating with you even before they say their first word. You may wonder how? Well, you will notice your baby communicates with you through their smiles, cries, and coos. Sometimes, you may even see them turning their heads towards your voice. At this stage, what your little one needs the most is your warmth and attention. One of the most important ways to start communicating with your baby is to breastfeed immediately after birth. Holding the baby close to you while breastfeeding kick-starts the bonding process, and the baby recognises you by sight, sound, and smell!

To communicate with your baby during this stage, what you can do is:

Talk to them throughout the day
Repeat their coos and sounds to show them you are listening
Sing soft lullabies or songs
Read simple board books to them with bright pictures
Smile, cuddle and maintain eye contact when speaking to them

6 to 12 Months: The World of Sounds and First Words

At this stage, your baby starts understanding simple words like “yes,” “no,” “bye,” or their name. They may even start to point, laugh, wave and babble. You may also notice them trying to copy the tone of your voice.

To communicate with your baby during this stage, what you can do is:

Keep talking while carrying out your daily chores
Play simple games like peek-a-boo
Respond to their babbling as if you’re having a real conversation
Use gestures when they are looking, such as clapping or waving
Name people, objects, and actions

12 to 18 Months: Your Baby Discovers Words

Around their first birthday, your little love becomes more interested in using words. As they keep discovering new words, they may use 5-20 single words and even understand much more than what they can say. They may also try mimicking your expressions and actions.

To communicate with your baby during this stage, what you can do is:

Speak to them using short and clear sentences
Read picture books daily
Ask simple questions like food? Play? Or water?
Describe what you are doing: “Mama is folding laundry.
Name familiar objects around the house

18 to 24 Months: Little Talkers on the Move

Well, now your little tot is smarter. They can now understand two-step instructions like “Get your toy and give it to me.” Their vocabulary is also becoming richer. They may say 50 or more words by the age of 2. You may also find them trying to speak more words as “come dada” or “bye mama”.

To communicate with your baby during this stage, what you can do is:

Add to their sentences. If they say “bag,” you say “big bag.”
Ask choice-based questions like “Do you want a banana or an apple?”
Help them describe feelings. Say things like “You look
Continue reading to them

2 to 3 Years: Building Simple Sentences

In this stage, your child is using two- to three-word sentences. They can express needs like “I want to play” or “Pick me up.” Their understanding also improves. They can answer simple questions and follow routines well.

To communicate with your baby during this stage, what you can do is:

Use slow, simple speech so that they can copy you
Read stories with repetitive lines
Encourage them to talk about what they see or like
Allow them to choose which toy they want to play with or which book they want to read

3 to 4 Years: Stories, Questions, and Big Emotions

This age is a well of imagination. Your child begins using longer sentences and loves storytelling, even if the stories don’t make sense yet. This is also the stage where the countless “Why” questions start, and you’ll hear many of them each day!

To communicate with your baby during this stage, what you can do is:

Ask open-ended questions
Play pretend games like a doctor or a teacher
Let them describe new things
Let them tell you their stories and respond with enthusiasm

4 to 5 Years: Communicators Who Want to Share Everything

Now your child can speak clearly most of the time. They can hold a conversation, tell short stories, and talk about their day. They understand rules and learn to take turns during conversations.

To communicate with your baby during this stage, what you can do is:

Encourage storytelling during meals
Introduce new words to them during playtime
Do everyday reading together
Let them talk without interrupting
Teach them how to communicate politely using words like “thank you,” “sorry,” and “please.”

What are Some Daily Habits to Build Communication Skills?

You don’t need to buy fancy books or toys. With love, patience and consistency, communication can be done through daily moments. One of the most important things not to do is expose your child to screen time, such as mobile phones and ipads as they are detrimental to your child’s communication skills and form addiction and social reclusiveness.

Try these simple habits:

Celebrate every little win
Reduce screen time
Encourage pretend play
Listen attentively
Respond with love and enthusiasm

When to Seek Help?

Every child grows and develops uniquely and at their own pace. However, if you are worried about developmental delays, then seeking early support is the best.

Consider reaching out to a professional if your child:
Is not babbling by the age of 12 months
Does not use any single words by 16 months
Find it difficult to follow simple instructions by the age of 2
Don’t form two-word phrases by the age of 2 and a half years
Stops using skills they once had
Has unclear speech after age 4

Every child grows uniquely and at their own pace. Every baby has their unique way of communicating. What matters most is that you stay present, gentle, and responsive. Support your child during each stage with utmost love and care. Do not rush them. Help them feel connected and loved when growing their communication skills. If you are concerned that your child may be experiencing a delay in developing communication skills, seek professional help.

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FAQs on A Parent's Roadmap to Helping Your Child Communicate from Birth to Age 5

When will my baby say their first word?
Most babies say their first word between 1 year to 18months their. However, some babies may take a little longer.
Does my newborn understand what I am saying?
Yes, your newborn recognises your voice. While they may not understand exactly what you are saying, they are still listening. Talk to your baby often, smile, maintain eye contact, and respond to their sounds. These tiny interactions build early communication skills.