📚 Did You Know? Early Speech Milestones Every Parent Should Watch For

Rachel Verducci
Aug 22
3 min read

Every child develops at their own pace — but when it comes to speech and language development, certain milestones are important indicators of healthy growth. One of the earliest signs that your little one is beginning their language journey is that magical first word.

👶 But did you know most children say their first word around 12 months of age?

It might be “mama,” “dada,” or even a beloved pet’s name, but by the time your child reaches their first birthday, you’ll likely hear a real word with meaning behind it.

Understanding the typical timeline for speech development can help you catch potential delays early and get the support your child needs. At tuLIPS Speech Therapy, we empower parents with knowledge and offer personalized support through every stage of communication development.

🎯 What Are Early Speech & Language Milestones?

Speech milestones are markers of what most children are doing at a certain age as they learn to communicate. These include both speech (the physical production of sounds and words) and language (the understanding and use of words and sentences). Here’s a quick snapshot of the most critical early milestones:

📌 0–6 Months:

Reacts to sounds and voices
Begins cooing, gurgling, and making vowel sounds
Shows interest in faces and eye contact

📌 6–12 Months:

Responds to their name
Uses gestures like waving or reaching
Starts babbling with consonant-vowel combinations like “baba” or “dada”
Understands simple words like “no” or “bye-bye”

📌 Around 12 Months:

Says first recognizable word(s)
Tries to imitate speech sounds
Uses simple gestures with vocalizations (e.g., pointing and saying “uh”)

According to the CDC, by 12 months, most children can use one or two words and understand simple commands such as “come here” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023).

When Should You Be Concerned?

While variability is completely normal, certain signs may indicate a speech or language delay. Contact a speech-language pathologist (SLP) if your child:

Is not babbling or making sounds by 9 months
Does not respond to their name
Hasn’t said a single word by 15 months
Doesn’t point, gesture, or try to communicate wants
Seems frustrated when trying to express themselves

Early detection matters. Research shows that early intervention is more effective and often leads to better outcomes than waiting (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association [ASHA], 2022).

👩‍⚕️ How tuLIPS Speech Therapy Can Help

At tuLIPS, we offer:

Developmental screenings for toddlers and young children
Individualized therapy tailored to your child’s age, needs, and personality
Parent coaching to help families support communication at home
Virtual and in-person sessions in San Francisco and Montclair
Ages 2–92, with a passion for empowering even the littlest voices

Our experienced therapists make therapy fun, interactive, and grounded in evidence-based practices. Whether you’re just a little concerned or ready to start therapy, we’re here to support your family every step of the way.

📞 Take the First Step:

If your child is approaching their first birthday and hasn’t hit some of these key speech milestones, it’s okay — you’re not alone. Our warm, dedicated team is ready to answer your questions and help guide your family forward.

👉 Book a free consultation today. Let’s give your child the gift of communication.

📚 Works Cited:

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). (2022). Early Intervention. Retrieved from https://www.asha.org/public/Early-Identification/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Learn the Signs. Act Early. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html