Most babies say a clear, meaningful first word around 12 months, but anything between about 10 and 18 months can still be within a typical range.

Quick Scoop: First Words Timeline

  • Around 6–9 months: Lots of babbling like “mamama” and “bababa,” plus copying sounds and tones, but not true words yet.
  • Around 10–14 months: Many babies say their first real word in this window (often “mama,” “dada,” or a favorite object or person).
  • Around 12 months (the classic milestone): Average age for a first clear word that matches something real and is used on purpose.
  • By about 18 months: A lot of children can say several words and may start putting two words together, like “more milk” or “all done.”

A “first word” isn’t just a sound; it’s when your baby uses a sound or word consistently to mean the same thing (even if it’s not perfectly pronounced).

What Counts as a Real “First Word”?

A sound can be considered a word when your baby:

  • Uses it consistently for the same thing (always says “ba” for ball, for example).
  • Uses it with purpose (to ask for something, point to it, or get your attention), not just random babble.
  • Tries to imitate a real word they hear often, even if it’s simplified (“wawa” for water still “counts”).

So yes, that “da-da” while looking right at dad and reaching for him can absolutely be your baby’s first word.

Common First Words (Real-World Examples)

Speech and parenting resources often see these early favorites:

  • People: “mama,” “dada,” names for siblings, nicknames for grandparents.
  • Everyday needs: “more,” “all done,” “no,” “up,” “milk,” “drink.”
  • Favorites: “ball,” “dog,” “cat,” “car,” “book,” “baby.”

These tend to come first because babies hear them a lot and they matter in daily life (food, comfort, play).

When to Keep an Eye on Things

Every child is different, but many experts suggest checking in with a pediatrician or speech–language professional if:

  1. By about 12 months
    • No babbling, very few sounds, or no response to their name or common sounds.
  2. By about 15 months
    • No clear word at all (even a simplified one) and very limited attempts to imitate sounds.
  3. By about 18 months
    • No meaningful words and little use of gestures (pointing, waving, reaching to be picked up).

Hearing issues, limited interaction, or developmental delays can all affect speech, so if you’re worried, early evaluation is always better than “wait and see.”

How to Gently Encourage First Words

You don’t have to “drill” your baby; small, playful changes help a lot:

  • Talk through daily routines: Describe what you’re doing in short, simple phrases (“wash hands,” “open door”).
  • Repeat key words: Pick a few important words (like “milk,” “ball,” “up”) and use them often and clearly.
  • Wait and watch: After you say a word, pause and give your baby time to try a sound back.
  • Follow their lead: Name what they’re staring at, reaching for, or pointing to.
  • Read and sing: Simple picture books and repetitive songs build sound patterns and vocabulary.

Tiny Story Example

Imagine you’re in the kitchen, holding your baby’s cup. You say “Milk” as you show it, then pause expectantly. Your baby looks at the cup, reaches, and says “mi!” You smile, repeat “Milk, you want milk!” and hand it over. That excited, back-and-forth moment is exactly the kind of interaction that often turns babble into a first word over time.

TL;DR: Most babies say a first real word around 12 months, but 10–18 months can still be normal; what matters most is steady progress in sounds, understanding, and communication attempts.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.