Unlocking the secrets of speech milestones with expert insights

ONE of the most magical moments for any parent is hearing their baby’s first words. For new moms and dads in South Africa, this milestone can feel like both an exciting and anxious wait.

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

After all, every child develops at their own pace, and it’s natural to wonder if your little one is on track.

According to Nicole Mackiewicz, MS., an early childhood development researcher at the Fisher-Price Lab and a mom of two: “Every child takes a unique path to reach their developmental milestones”

That holds especially true for language development, which may begin with giggles, babbles, and gestures long before you hear that first “mama” or “dada”.

So, when do babies start talking? The short answer is: when they're ready. While babies generally start saying their first words around 12 months, the timeline can vary widely.

Language development is a gradual process starting from birth, as infants explore sounds and learn to make sense of the world around them.

In South Africa, where cultural diversity introduces children to different languages and dialects, this process may look a little different. Studies suggest that children raised in multilingual households often have a richer vocabulary across multiple languages.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how babies typically develop communication skills:

0-6 months:

◆ Babies coo, laugh, and squeal.

◆ They respond to familiar voices and sounds.

◆ They start experimenting with sounds like “ooh” or “ahh”.

6-12 months:

◆ Babbling begins with sounds like “ba-ba” or “da-da”.