Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician for medical concerns regarding your child.
Language Development: How Babies Learn to Talk
By 9 months, babies can say around 5 words and start combining two words together by 12 months, a significant milestone in their language development journey.
What You Need to Know
- Babies start babbling around 6 months with vowel sounds.
- By 12 months, babies can say around 20 words and start combining two words together.
- Infants can distinguish between 150 different sounds at 6 months.
- At 9 months, babies can understand around 50 words.
- By 18 months, babies can say around 50 words and start using simple sentences.
- Reading to babies for 15 minutes a day can improve their language skills by 12 months.
The Indian Context: What Research Actually Says
Reciting lullabies
Region: All over India | Verdict: Recommended
Studies show that reciting lullabies can improve baby’s language skills
Talking to babies in mother tongue
Region: All over India | Verdict: Recommended
Research suggests that talking to babies in mother tongue can improve their language development
Singing nursery rhymes
Region: Urban India | Verdict: Recommended
Studies show that singing nursery rhymes can improve baby’s language skills
Using flashcards with words and pictures
Region: Urban India | Verdict: Recommended
Research suggests that using flashcards can improve baby’s vocabulary
Common Myths — Busted
Truth: Most babies start talking between 9-18 months, and some may take up to 24 months to start talking
Truth: Babies can learn language from anyone they interact with, including caregivers and family members, and can pick up around 5 new words per day
Truth: Research shows that babies can differentiate between multiple languages by 6 months and can become proficient in multiple languages by 12 months
When to See Your Paediatrician
- No babbling by 9 months
- No gesturing by 12 months
- No single words by 16 months
- No two-word phrases by 24 months
Parents Also Ask
How can I encourage my 6-month-old baby to talk?
Respond to your baby’s coos and babbles, read to them for 15 minutes a day, and talk to them in your mother tongue to improve their language skills, with studies showing that babies who receive more responses have better language skills by 12 months.
What are the language milestones for a 12-month-old baby?
By 12 months, babies can say around 20 words, start combining two words together, and understand around 50 words, with an average of 5-20 words by 18 months.
How can I help my baby develop language skills if I’m a working mother?
Leave a voice message for your baby, ask your caregiver to talk to your baby, and spend quality time with your baby when you’re home, with research showing that babies who receive more support have better language skills.
Key Takeaways
- Babies start babbling around 6 months with vowel sounds.
- By 12 months, babies can say around 20 words and start combining two words together.
- Infants can distinguish between 150 different sounds at 6 months.
- At 9 months, babies can understand around 50 words.
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