Developmental Norms for Speech and Language Development for your child’s first year.
Speech and Language Developmental Norms (0–12 Months)
Speech and language developmental norms can help track whether a child’s communication skills are on target. Every child develops at their own pace—some may reach milestones earlier, while others may take a little longer. The key is steady progress over time rather than matching exact ages.
0–3 Months
Your baby may:
React to sounds around them
Calm down or smile when you talk
Make small sounds when interacting with you
Use different cries or sounds to show comfort or discomfort
Make soft cooing sounds like “oo” or “ah”
Begin to recognize familiar caregivers
Turn toward voices or people talking
4–6 Months
Your baby may:
Laugh and giggle
Respond to facial expressions
Watch and follow toys or objects with their eyes
React to toys that make sounds, such as music or bells
Make sounds while playing or chewing on toys
7–9 Months
Your baby may:
Look toward you when their name is called
Pause briefly when they hear “no”
Make repeated babbling sounds like “ma-ma-ma” or “ba-ba-ba”
Look for familiar caregivers when upset
Lift or reach arms to be picked up
Recognize the names of some people and common objects
Push away things they do not want
10–12 Months
Your baby may:
Turn to look when you say their name
Briefly stop what they are doing when they hear “no”
Babble using repeated sounds such as “ma-ma-ma” or “ba-ba-ba”
Look for familiar caregivers for comfort when upset
Raise their arms to be picked up
Recognize the names of certain people and everyday objects
Push away items they do not want
Tips for Parents
Talk often: Narrate what you’re doing and describe objects to encourage listening and word recognition.
Respond to sounds: Smile, coo, or babble back to your baby to encourage communication.
Use facial expressions: Show happy, surprised, or concerned expressions to help your baby understand emotions.
Read and sing: Simple books, rhymes, and songs support language development.
Play peek-a-boo or interactive games: These encourage social interaction and eye contact.
Offer choices: Let your baby pick between two toys or foods to encourage decision-making.
Encourage gestures: Lift your baby’s arms, clap, or wave together to support nonverbal communication.
Have concerns about your child’s development? A speech pathologist can help answer your questions, provide guidance, and support your child’s communication skills.