What are typical speech and language milestones at 6-12 months?

At 6-12 months, most babies enjoy playing with familiar caregivers and they often find this easier than playing with other children, who can be unpredictable! They are keen to share their enjoyment and learn to smile in response to others smiling at them. It is during this stage that babies learn to have early ‘conversations’ where they start to respond to talk and take turns with babble.

At this stage it is common for babies to have ‘fleeting’ attention and they often move their focus quickly between activities. Babies at this age enjoy listening to sounds and will turn if they hear people talking. They enjoy listening to their caregivers’ voices more than anyone else.

Around 6-9 months babies get really good at understanding and anticipating routines and will pick up on environmental clues to help them make sense of what is happening (for example, when they see their towel and hear the bath running, they know it’ll soon be bath time). By 12 months babies are also starting to understand some single words and can follow some simple instructions (e.g. “where’s Mummy?”; “show me Teddy”).

At 5-9 months, children start to use lots of babble (e.g. baba, dada) as well as other sounds and gestures (including pointing and reaching) to share their thoughts and make requests. By 12 months, some children may use a couple of single words, although they might be difficult to understand at first. At this stage babies do not use the full repertoire of speech sounds.

It’s important to remember that every baby develops at their own pace, and variations in speech and language milestones are common. However, if you have concerns about your child’s speech and language development, discuss your observations with their GP or Health Visitor. Early intervention can make a significant difference in addressing any potential delays and supporting your child’s communication skills.

Watching your baby’s journey through speech and language development is an incredible experience filled with wonder and excitement. By understanding the typical milestones and providing a supportive environment, you can help nurture your baby’s communication skills and lay the foundation for a lifetime of meaningful interactions. Celebrate each small achievement along the way, knowing that every baby is unique and develops at their own pace. Through responsive and loving interactions, you can foster a strong bond with your baby while empowering them to explore the world of language and communication with confidence.