When will my baby start talking?

Babies often start using words around 12 months of age. Your baby learns different sounds by listening to the rhythms of your speech. Your voice is your baby’s favourite thing to listen to so make the most of everyday moments to talk, read, sing and play with your baby.  

Singing or talking nursery rhymes are a fun way to develop language skills through repetition and rhyme. Make routines like nappy change and bath time fun by singing as you go.  

As you navigate this milestone together, here are some everyday ways to talk, read, sing and play with your baby. 
 
Talk: pause when you talk and wait for your baby to respond. They might not be ready to use words, but they can still respond with sounds and gestures. 
 
Read: slow down the pace when sharing stories to help your baby learn different sounds. Point to the words as you read them and describe what you see. ‘That’s a kangaroo. The kangaroo is hopping away.’ Change your tone or try making funny noises and different expressions to stimulate their imagination. 
 
Sing: make up your own words to a familiar tune during everyday routines. Try ‘Wash, wash, wash our hands’ (to the tune of Row, Row, Row Your Boat) or ‘Good morning to you, good morning to you’ (to the tune of Happy Birthday). 
 
Play: Sing songs with actions to help your baby learn words and attach meaning to them through actions. 

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At First 5 Forever, we’re all about connection. Here are some helpful links to connect you to expert voice and resources to support your family through the early years: 

Raising Children Network  

Play Matters 

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program 

Family and Child Connect 

Pregnancy Birth and Baby