How To Teach Your Baby Their First Words
A loving guide for parents of babies and toddlers
Teaching your baby their first words is a magical experience. It’s more than just sounds – it’s the beginning of communication, connection, and understanding. As a parent, your voice, expressions, and daily interactions play a powerful role in helping your baby take this exciting first step toward language.
In this post, we’ll explore how to teach your baby their first words, when to start, which words to focus on, and how to create a language-rich environment that makes learning joyful and natural.
When Do Babies Start Talking?
Most babies say their first real words between 10 and 15 months. But even before that, they are busy learning. From cooing and babbling to copying sounds and gestures, your baby is already practicing how to speak.
Don't worry if your child isn’t speaking early — every baby develops at their own pace. The key is to provide them with consistent exposure to spoken language in a warm, loving way.
Simple Steps to Teach First Words
Here are gentle and effective ways to encourage your baby's first words:
1. Talk to your baby often
Your baby learns by hearing your voice. Describe what you’re doing throughout the day:
“Now we’re changing your diaper. Soft wipes… clean and fresh!”
Use simple, clear words and speak slowly, making eye contact.
2. Name everyday objects
Point to and name familiar things:
“This is your bottle.”
“Here’s your teddy bear.”
Repetition helps babies connect sounds to meanings.
3. Use baby-friendly words
Start with easy, common words such as:
- Mama
- Dada
- Ball
- Milk
- Bye-bye
- Dog
- More
These are usually nouns and actions related to their daily life.
4. Read simple books together
Board books with large pictures and one word per page are ideal. Point to each image and say the word out loud. For example:
“Apple. Red apple. Yum!”
Tips To Make It Fun and Effective
● Sing songs and rhymes
Songs with actions like “Clap Your Hands” or “The Wheels on the Bus” are perfect. The rhythm, melody, and repetition make it easier for babies to remember words.
● Imitate and repeat
When your baby babbles, repeat it back:
Baby: “Ba ba”
Parent: “Yes! Ba ba – is that your bottle?”
● Praise and celebrate
Smile, clap, and cheer when your baby tries to say something. Encouragement builds their confidence and motivation to try again.
● Use gestures
Say “bye-bye” while waving. This builds associations between the word and the action.
How Many Words Should a Baby Know?
By 12 months, many babies can say 1–3 clear words and understand 20–50. But again, understanding comes before speaking, so keep talking even if they aren’t responding with words yet.
By 18 months, most toddlers say around 10–20 words and can point to things when named.
First Words Milestone Checklist
Here are common early words your baby might say:
- People: Mama, Dada, Baba
- Objects: Ball, Book, Car, Teddy
- Food/Drink: Milk, Banana, Water
- Actions: Up, Go, Eat
- Social words: Hi, Bye, No, More
Final Thoughts: Make It a Joyful Journey
The most important way to teach your baby their first words is to connect through love, attention, and play. No pressure, no rush. Every smile, story, and song brings you closer — and helps your baby find their own voice.
So speak, sing, and smile. Your baby is listening… and learning.
