From the time babies are born, everyone fawns over the coos, gurgles and giggles that come. We wait for the first babbles, the first laughs, and the first deliberate ‘mama’ to escape our babies’ mouths; then soon enough, we’re waiting for the rare moment that they stop talking. But while you’re waiting for those first words, it’s easy to get thrown into the loop of worry. “Is my baby normal? Aren’t they supposed to be talking by now? So-and-so’s baby says 10 words, and they’re only 10 months!” Friends text me frequently to ask what I (as a speech therapist) think about their child’s development. To help ease those fears, here are a few milestones to keep an eye out for. (Note: there is a huge range of ‘normal’ when it comes to these milestones. These are just guidelines to keep an eye out for).

0 to 3 months:
– baby appears to recognize your voice and smiles or calms down
– coos, gurgles (vowel sounds)
– smiles as a reflex, then starts developing a social smile

4 to 6 months:
– moves eyes toward a sound
– babbles using more consonant-like sounds (ba, ma, pa)
– vocalizes to show excitement and displeasure
– begins to play ‘peek a boo’ and other games
– imitates some movements and sounds

7 to 9 months:
– shouts for attention
– imitates play (pat-a-cake, etc)
– plays vocally (babbling, cooing, ‘talking’)
– recognizes some words
– uses social gestures like waving

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10 to 12 months:
– shows moods
– uses objects appropriately (uses a spoon to pick up food, uses a brush to comb their hair)
– obeys simple commands and directions
– has one or more words
– recognizes own name

First words:
When it comes to the first words a baby uses, these words follow a general pattern across all languages. Typically the first words are about objects, people and activities (mama, dada, car, up). Next, the child uses denial/rejection (no) and attributes (big, blue, etc). More complex types of words come later.

Receptive language:
Children usually understand much more than they actually say by age one. By one, simple directions are often able to be followed, and they should have a basic understanding of ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ It is common for babies to only speak one or two words, but understand many more than that.

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Here are a few things you can do with your baby to help them develop their receptive and expressive language skills. Don’t worry about making these times structured; just fit them into your day however you can.

1) Observe and comment:
When you are playing with your child, comment on the things they are doing. Mr. O jokes that Little Oats’ entire life is being narrated. That way, they can hear and learn new vocabulary.

2) Let your child lead:
When you’re playing, let your child be in ‘control’ of the game. This can build self-confidence and allow them to be creative. If they are leading, they will often use more language (and not feel pressured to react and respond in a certain way).

3) Books, books, books:
Books can be used in many ways to develop language and early literacy skills. Evidence shows that children that have more exposure to books prior to schooling often develop early literacy skills quicker and earlier than their peers.

4) Sing songs and nursery rhymes:
Songs contain rhythm and rhyme, skills that help with speech and literacy development.

5) Feed language in, don’t force it out:
Comment and expand on your child’s words and sentences, rather than asking them to repeat words. If your child says “car,” respond with “big car” or “yellow car” or “fast car.” This is how children learn words; by hearing new vocabulary and linking it to the items or events they are focusing on.

6) Use Communication temptations:
Often by tempting your child with something motivating, you can elicit some speech. For example, holding on to the bag of crackers, but not giving them a cracker until your child requests one (either with a word, noise, or gesture). The word they use doesn’t have to be correct (please don’t withhold items until they say the ‘correct’ word); the goal is to teach your child that their voice and gestures can be used to communicate effectively.

Hopefully these tips and tricks ease any anxieties you may have about early language development (or give you a big ol’ pat on the back for great habits you’ve already developed). For more information, check out some of these great resources:

Super Duper Publications : my favourite resource site for games, activities and language development information.

The Hanen Centre: incredible workshops and information.

Kids Health: all sorts of fun facts and great inf