As parent, we often find ourselves watching our little ones intently, celebrating every giggle, every coo, and every new sound. But amidst the joy, a quiet question can sometimes creep in: “Is my child developing as they should be?” Especially when it comes to communication, it’s natural to wonder if your child’s speech and language skills are on the right path.
I truly understand these concerns, and my aim is to empower parents with the knowledge they need to feel confident about their child’s development, and to offer expert support when questions arise. This post will provide a clear, age-by-age breakdown of typical communication development from birth to three years, helping you identify early signs and know when to seek professional guidance.
What Should My Baby Be Doing From Birth to 6 Months? (The Sounds of Early Communication)
In these first few months, your baby is soaking up the world around them, and their communication journey is just beginning.
Birth – 3 Months:
- Responding to sounds: Does your baby startle at loud noises? Do they calm down or smile when you talk to them?
- Cooing and gurgling: You’ll hear soft, vowel-like sounds.
- Different cries for different needs: You might start to distinguish between a “hungry” cry and a “tired” cry.
- Smiling when spoken to: A truly heart-melting milestone!
4 – 6 Months:
- Turning towards sounds: Your baby will actively try to locate the source of a sound.
- Babbling (single syllables): You’ll hear sounds like “ba-ba-ba,” “ma-ma-ma,” or “pa-pa-pa.” These are often repeated.
- Laughing and squealing: Expressing pleasure through vocalizations.
- Vocalizing pleasure and displeasure differently: More varied sounds to indicate how they’re feeling.
My Baby is Almost One! What Language Milestones Should I Look For Between 6-12 Months?
This is a period of exciting growth as babbling becomes more complex and the first words begin to emerge.
6 – 9 Months:
- Responding to their name: They’ll turn their head or look at you when you call them.
- Understanding “no”: They might pause or stop an action when they hear it.
- Varied babbling: Their babbling will include a wider range of consonant and vowel sounds, and may sound more like real speech (e.g., “ba-dee-ga”).
- Using gestures: Waving “bye-bye” or reaching out to be picked up.
- Imitating sounds: They might try to copy simple sounds you make.
10 – 12 Months:
- Saying “mama” or “dada” with meaning: These are often the first true words.
- Saying 1-2 other words: These might not be perfectly clear but are consistently used to refer to something (e.g., “ball” for a ball).
- Responding to simple verbal requests: “Come here” or “Give me.”
- Understanding many familiar words in context: Even if they can’t say them yet, they understand names of common objects and people.
- Pointing to show you something or ask for something.
When Should I Be Concerned? (Early Signs and Red Flags for Babies)
Every child blossoms at their own unique pace, and that’s perfectly normal! However, there are certain “red flags” in communication development that might suggest it’s time to seek professional guidance. If you notice any of the following signs in your baby during their first year, it’s a good idea to reach out for an evaluation:
By 9 months:
- No babbling (like “ba-ba” or “ma-ma”).
By 12 months:
- Isn’t using gestures like pointing or waving “bye-bye.”
- Shows no response to their name when called.
How Can I Encourage My Child’s Speech and Language Development at Home?
You are your child’s first and most important teacher! Here are some simple, everyday ways to foster their communication skills:
- Talk, Talk, Talk: Narrate your day! Describe what you’re doing, what you see, and what you hear. “Mama is cutting the apple. It’s a red apple.”
- Read Together Daily: Even with babies, look at board books, point to pictures, and name objects. For toddlers, talk about the story and ask questions.
- Sing Songs and Say Rhymes: This helps with rhythm, sounds, and memory.
- Respond to Their Sounds and Attempts to Communicate: If they babble, babble back! If they point, name the object they’re pointing to.
- Follow Their Lead in Play: If they’re interested in cars, talk about cars. This keeps them engaged and makes learning fun.
- Give Choices: “Do you want milk or water?” This encourages them to use words.
- Expand on Their Words: If your child says “doggie,” you can say, “Yes, that’s a big, brown doggie!”
- Limit Screen Time: Face-to-face interaction is crucial for language development.
What If I’m Still Concerned?
It’s completely normal to have questions and concerns about your child’s development. If you’ve been observing your child and notice any of the red flags, or simply have a persistent feeling that something isn’t quite right, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. Early intervention can make a significant difference.
At jasonspearmiller.com, we specialize in developmental speech therapy and offer one-on-one online consultations for parents. We can provide a comprehensive assessment, address your specific concerns, and develop a personalized plan to support your child’s unique communication journey.
Don’t wait and wonder. Taking proactive steps now can set your child up for success. We’re here to offer a supportive space where your concerns are heard, your child’s individuality is respected, and their journey toward improved communication is nurtured every step of the way.
Contact Jason Spearmiller today to book your online consultation and get the answers and support you need.
