SPEECH AND LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT OF THE 0 to 1-YEAR OLD CHILD
The first year of a child’s life is a crucial period for speech and language development. While infants between 0 and 1 years may not yet be forming words, they are rapidly absorbing language through interactions with their parents or caregivers, sounds in their environment, and early experiences. During this time, babies start to communicate through cooing, babbling, and using facial expressions, setting the foundation for future language skills. As a parent or caregiver, engaging in simple activities can greatly enhance their ability to understand and produce language.
What speech and language development can you expect to see at this age?
- 0 – 3 months
- Quiets to a familiar voice
- Vocalises to caregiver’s smile and speech
- Coos single syllables (e.g. coo, gaa)
- Make eye contact with an adult
- 3 – 6 months
- Makes vowel sounds, such as ‘a’, ‘e’ and ‘o’
- Smiles at the person speaking
- Take turns vocalising
- Laughs
- Imitates some sounds that others make
- Your baby turns their head when they hear a voice
- Reacts when you call their name
- 6 – 9 months
- Responds to ‘no’ most of the time
- Uses baby talk to babbles when they see a toy that moves
- Shouts or vocalises for attention
- Babbles during simple games
- 9 – 12 months
- Uses social gestures (e.g. points to show objects, waves)
- Obeys some simple commands
- Looks at familiar objects and people when named
- Imitates rhythms and facial expressions
- Uses 2 – 6 words other than mama and dada
Red Flags: When to Seek Help
While every baby develops at their own pace, certain signs may indicate a delay in speech and language development. If you notice any of the following, it may be helpful to consult a speech-language therapist:
- 0 to 3 Months:
- Does not respond to loud noises or voices: If your baby does not startle at loud sounds or does not show signs of listening to familiar voices, it may indicate a hearing issue.
- Does not make cooing or gurgling sounds: By 3 months, babies should be experimenting with sounds. If your baby does not coo or vocalize by this age, it may suggest a developmental delay.
- 3 – 6 Months:
- No babbling: By 6 months, babies should be making babbling sounds like “ba-ba” or “da-da.” If this is not happening, it could be a sign of delayed language development.
- No response to name: If your baby does not respond to their name by 6 months or show interest in sounds or voices, it may indicate a hearing issue or other concerns.
- Lack of social smiling: Babies typically start smiling socially at around 2-3 months. If your baby is not responding to social cues with smiles or eye contact, it may be worth discussing with a professional.
- 6-9 Months:
- Not babbling or imitating sounds: If your baby is not starting to use repeated sounds like “ba-ba” or “da-da” by 9 months, it could indicate a delay.
- No response to familiar sounds: By this age, your baby should turn their head towards familiar sounds. If they do not respond to voices or sounds, there may be a concern with hearing or attention.
- 9 -12 Months:
- No first words: If your baby is not saying any words, such as “mama” or “dada,” by 12 months, it could be an indication of a speech delay.
- No pointing or gestures: By 12 months, babies should begin pointing at objects or showing things to others. Lack of gestures can be a sign of delayed communication skills.
- Limited interest in social interaction: If your baby avoids eye contact or does not engage with you socially, it may be a red flag for developmental concerns.
Next Steps: What to Do if You Have Concerns
If you notice any of the red flags above or have concerns about your baby’s speech and language development, here are the next steps, it is recommended that you consult with a speech therapist who has a special interest in working with infants between 0 and 3 years. Early intervention is key to helping children who experience speech or language delays. If needed, a speech therapist can provide strategies and support tailored to your child’s developmental needs.