First words: how the skill grows from 12 to 24 months
First words means saying words that carry meaning, including partial words and word-like sounds used the same way each time. First words grow out of babbling, gestures and plenty of back-and-forth.
Updated
First words: the ladder, step by step
Pick the step that looks most like your child today. The next step and activities that practise it appear below.
No step picked yet. There is no wrong answer: pick the closest one.
Next step: A special name. Says "mama" or "dada" to the right person.
Activities that fit this step
- Sock Puppet Hello · 12–20 months · 3–8 min
- Window Watch Talk · 12–24 months · 3–8 min
- Photo Wall Flap Hunt · 13–22 months · 5–10 min
Next step: Partial words. Says "ba" for ball or "wa" for water, the same way every time.
Activities that fit this step
- Sock Puppet Hello · 12–20 months · 3–8 min
- Window Watch Talk · 12–24 months · 3–8 min
- Photo Wall Flap Hunt · 13–22 months · 5–10 min
Next step: A handful of words. Uses several words like "more", "up" and "dog".
Activities that fit this step
- Photo Wall Flap Hunt · 13–22 months · 5–10 min
- Ready-Set-Go Car Ramp · 16–26 months · 5–10 min
- Finish-the-Song Pause · 18–30 months · 3–8 min
Next step: Words in new places. Uses a known word for something new, such as "dog" for a dog in a book.
Activities that fit this step
- Ready-Set-Go Car Ramp · 16–26 months · 5–10 min
- Finish-the-Song Pause · 18–30 months · 3–8 min
- Name the Body Signal · 18–36 months · 2–4 min
Top of the ladder (words in new places). Keep it flexible: offer it in a new place, with a different person or with new materials.
Activities that fit this step
- Ready-Set-Go Car Ramp · 16–26 months · 5–10 min
- Finish-the-Song Pause · 18–30 months · 3–8 min
- Name the Body Signal · 18–36 months · 2–4 min
The first words ladder
5 steps from the first sign to a flexible skill, covered here from 12 to 24 months. Children move at their own pace: use the steps to see what comes next, not as deadlines.
-
Tuneful babble
Babbles "ba-da-ba" with the rise and fall of speech.
-
A special name
Says "mama" or "dada" to the right person.
-
Partial words
Says "ba" for ball or "wa" for water, the same way every time.
-
A handful of words
Uses several words like "more", "up" and "dog".
-
Words in new places
Uses a known word for something new, such as "dog" for a dog in a book.
When first words usually shows up
Calling a parent "mama", "dada" or another special name is a CDC 12-month milestone; trying one or two other words is a 15-month milestone, and trying at least three words besides "mama" or "dada" is an 18-month milestone.
This page follows first words from 12 to 24 months, a window that spans the 12-month, 15-month, 18-month and 24-month CDC checklists.
In the library, 6 activities practise first words (2 as their main skill), for ages 12 to 36 months. 4 of them need no prep and take 10 minutes or less. By age, they sit closest to steps 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the 5-step ladder.
Related items appear on the CDC checklists for 12 months, 15 months and 18 months.
Related milestones
CDC checklist items (paraphrased) that involve first words. Checklists are for monitoring, not a test.
| Checklist | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 12 months | Uses "mama", "dada" or another special name for a parent. |
| 15 months | Attempts one or two words besides "mama" or "dada", even partial ones like "wa" for water. |
| 18 months | Attempts at least three words besides "mama" or "dada". |
Activities that practise first words
Placed on the closest ladder step by age. By primary domain: 5 language and 1 practical life. Quickest to start: Name the Body Signal (2–4 minutes).
Step 2: A special name
Step 3: Partial words
Step 4: A handful of words
Step 5: Words in new places
Skills practised alongside
The activities for first words most often also work on conversation turns (3), action songs (1), cause and effect (1), gestures and signs (1) and naming things (1). Pairing them keeps practice playful: one activity, several skills.
Practise it inside everyday routines
- Talk about what your child is looking at, in short phrases.
- After you speak, leave a gap long enough for a sound or word.
- Repeat word attempts back clearly: "Wa? Water! Here's water."
- Read, sing and chat during everyday care, not only at set times.
What to avoid
- Asking "say ball" over and over; model the word in context instead.
When to mention it to the pediatrician
If your child is not trying any words besides "mama" or "dada" by 15 months, or has fewer than three by 18 months, mention it and ask about a hearing check. Losing words they used to say is always worth a call.
Worried about first words between visits? Call the pediatrician; CDC's free resources also explain how to contact your local Early Intervention program directly. Milestones are for monitoring, not diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
When do toddlers start first words?
Calling a parent "mama", "dada" or another special name is a CDC 12-month milestone; trying one or two other words is a 15-month milestone, and trying at least three words besides "mama" or "dada" is an 18-month milestone. The first step to look for: babbles "ba-da-ba" with the rise and fall of speech.
How can I help my toddler with first words?
Talk about what your child is looking at, in short phrases. After you speak, leave a gap long enough for a sound or word. A good first activity is Sock Puppet Hello (12–20 months).
What should I avoid when practising first words?
Asking "say ball" over and over; model the word in context instead.
When should I mention first words to the pediatrician?
If your child is not trying any words besides "mama" or "dada" by 15 months, or has fewer than three by 18 months, mention it and ask about a hearing check. Losing words they used to say is always worth a call. You can also contact Early Intervention yourself.
Related
Monitoring, not medical advice. Talk to your pediatrician about any concern. Our sources and method.