Baby's first words

What are some common first baby words and when you can expect them? We’ve got the info right here - plus, we asked our Instagram community to share their experiences...

There are a few key milestones that, as a parent you tend to remember, and right up there must be that momentous occasion when your baby says their first word! Your little one is communicating with language at last - and, of course, over time, one word becomes two, and soon there will be whole sentences! But, in case your baby hasn’t reached this stage yet and you're wondering when exactly it will happen, keep reading…

What will my baby's first word be?

Your baby will probably start with “babbling” or cooing - trying to say words but not making them totally understandable. Parents often cite “mama” or “dada” / “papa” or their equivalents as the first words. For example, in our Instagram community, @wildprettygirl told us her baby’s first was “Mama” and @tarajoyzimbabwe told us it was “Daddy”. But a mum on the Babyshop team told us her little’s first word was “lamp” - so there really are no rules!

I am worried my child is not talking - what should I do?

Hopefully by the time your child is around 18 months, they will be saying some words, but it’s important not to worry or to compare your child with others if they’re not speaking as much or as clearly as you'd hoped. First off, do all you can to encourage speech by chatting to your baby as much as possible, for example, when changing their nappy or feeding them. Talk through what you’re doing, and point out objects naming them as you go. Try not to panic, or self-diagnose your child, and, if it feels right, arrange a visit to your doctor or local health care expert who will be able to advise.

and finally…

Keep in mind that all kids are different, and will do things at different paces. Enjoy watching them grow and learn, and be assured that, as time goes on, your child will be chatting away happily with you and others!

If you do have any concerns, be sure to reach out to a medical professional who will do their best to help.