Developmental Expectations of the 6-12 month-old

Speech and Language of the 6-to 12-month-Old

At 6 months of age, your child…

Makes lots of different, playful sounds (called babbling).

Laughs, gurgles, and coos with familiar people and reacts to loud and friendly voices.

Turns and looks at new sounds and babbles/cries for attention.

At 8 months of age, your child…

Responds to his or her name and shows interest of self in mirror.

Produces four or more different sounds and tries to imitate sounds and actions.

Uses syllables such as ba, da, ka and listens to own vocalizations and those of others.

Transfers objects from one hand to the other.

At 10 months of age, your child…

May say “mama” and “dada” and says a syllable or sequence of sounds repeatedly.

Shouts to attract attention and uses jargon (babbling that sounds like real speech).

Plays early speech routine games such as Peek-a-Boo.

At 12 months, your child…

Recognizes name and responds to name being called consistently.

Point to objects for you to get or name and follows simple instructions.

Sustains eye contact and attention for brief periods of time.

Says 2 to 3 words besides “mama” and “dada.”

Imitates familiar words and words overheard in the environment.

Recognizes words as symbols for objects (i.e., hears “car” and points to garage).

You can stimulate your infant’s speech and language if you…

Participate in “mommy and me” activities with other infants the same age.

Imitate and respond to your infant’s noises and actions.

Talk in one-two word phrases during your daily routine activities. Keep your speech simple.

Recite nursery rhymes, play simple music, and sing songs, particularly in the car.

Look at colorful books with your child every day.

Show interest in all the different sounds you hear (bird chirping, dog barking, doorbell).

Share eye contact as your child coos and babbles.

Teach your child the names of household items, familiar people, and common actions.

Play simple games such as Peek-a-Boo and Pat-a-Cake.

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