When Do Kids Start Talking? – Speech Development Timeline & Tips for Parents

Meta Description:
Wondering when kids start talking? Discover the typical speech development stages, signs of delays, and ways to encourage your child’s language skills.

Focus Keywords:
when do kids start talking, baby first words, speech development in children, language milestones

Typical Speech Development Timeline

Every child develops at their own pace, but there are general milestones for speech and language:

0–6 Months:
Coos, gurgles, and responds to voices.
6–12 Months:
Babbles (“ba-ba,” “ma-ma”), responds to their name.
12–18 Months:
Says first words like “mama” or “dada.” Vocabulary of 1–5 words.
18–24 Months:
Vocabulary grows to 50+ words, begins using two-word phrases (“want milk”).
2–3 Years:
Forms simple sentences, vocabulary expands rapidly.

Factors That Influence When Kids Start Talking

Hearing Ability: Hearing problems can delay speech.
Environment: Exposure to language through talking, reading, and singing.
Personality: Some children are observers before they become talkers.
Bilingual Homes: May speak later but often have a stronger language foundation.

How to Encourage Early Talking

Talk Often: Describe what you’re doing during daily activities.
Read Daily: Picture books boost vocabulary and comprehension.
Sing Songs & Nursery Rhymes: Rhythm and repetition help language skills.
Respond to Babbling: Treat baby sounds as conversation.
Limit Screen Time: Real-life interaction beats passive media.

When to Seek Professional Help

See a pediatrician or speech therapist if your child:

Has no babbling by 12 months
Says fewer than 15 words by age 2
Doesn’t follow simple instructions by 2 years
Has unclear speech after age 3

Final Thoughts

Most kids say their first words around 12–18 months, but variation is normal. The key is interaction and exposure—the more you talk, read, and play with your child, the faster their communication skills will grow.