When Do Children Start Talking and How to Support Language Development

Many mothers cherish the memory of the first time they heard their child say “mama” or “papa”—a sound that may be jumbled but fills the heart with joy. A child’s language is more than a tool for communication; it is a bridge connecting them to the world and a key indicator of cognitive and social development. Parents often wonder: When will my child start talking? How can I help them? Are there signs of delay I should worry about?

Dr. Hazem Moawad, Professor of Language and Speech, explains the stages of language development, influencing factors, practical tips, and common mistakes parents make.

When Does a Child Start Talking?

Children develop language skills at different rates, but there are typical stages:

Birth to 6 months: Babbling, making non-meaningful sounds.
6 to 9 months: Repeating sounds like “mama” or “baba.”
9 to 12 months: Attempting simple word imitation.
12 to 18 months: First real words, such as “mama,” “papa,” “water,” “no.”
18 to 24 months: Combining words into short, two-word sentences.
After 2 years: Rapid expansion of vocabulary.

⚠️ Patience is key—every child develops at their own pace.

Why Children Speak at Different Rates

Genetics: Children of parents who spoke late may also start speaking later.
Gender: Girls may speak earlier than boys.
Family order: Second or third children may take longer, as older siblings often speak for them.
Environment: Active, verbal interaction encourages faster language development compared to screen-focused environments.
Health: Hearing issues or attention difficulties can delay speech.

Practical Tips to Encourage Early Speech

Talk to your child from birth: Use familiar, repetitive phrases like “Good morning, my love.”
Sing simple songs: Rhythm helps link words to sounds.
Use facial expressions and gestures: Smiles, hand signals, and mouth movements reinforce learning.
Limit screen time: No TV or mobile devices before age 2.
Read picture books daily: Even if the child doesn’t understand, images and words boost vocabulary.
Ask simple questions: Example: “Do you want milk or water?” to connect words with actions.
Praise attempts to speak: Celebrate every effort, e.g., “Well done, you said ‘ma’!”
Engage at eye level: Improves attention and focus.
Repeat key words daily: Connect words with objects or actions, e.g., say “water” while giving water.
Use play as a learning tool: Learning through play is faster and more enjoyable than direct teaching.

When to Be Concerned About Delayed Speech

Consult a doctor if your child:

Doesn’t babble by 6 months.
Hasn’t spoken any words by 18 months.
Doesn’t imitate sounds or gestures.
Doesn’t respond to their name or simple commands.
Loses a previously learned skill.

Early screening for hearing and speech issues can prevent future delays.

Scientific Approaches to Stimulate Speech

Breastfeeding: Children who are breastfed longer often have larger vocabularies.
Social interaction: Group play encourages more words.
Repetition and modeling: Hearing the same word from multiple people helps retention.
Movement and touch: Crawling and active play stimulate the brain and support language development.

Common Mistakes That Delay Speech

Overusing “baby talk” like “baba” or “umpo” instead of real words.
Panicking too early; slight delays can be normal.
Comparing the child to others; each child has their own pace.
Excessive screen exposure prevents live interaction.
Ignoring the child’s attempts to communicate.

Role of the Father

Fathers play an important role in encouraging speech. Exposure to different voices and sounds accelerates language skills. Fathers can participate through play, singing, or talking during activities like driving.

Interactive educational apps can help after age 2, but always under parental supervision. Technology is a tool, not a replacement for parental interaction.

Creating a Language-Rich Environment at Home

Fill the home with words.
Label objects: chair, door, cup.
Talk to your child during daily activities: cooking, going out, etc.
Encourage siblings to speak with the infant.

This approach supports children in developing strong language skills while nurturing confidence and communication abilities.