When should my baby babble, point and say first words?

Communication starts before clear words

Babbling, pointing, waving, looking at you and handing you things are all part of language. Understanding usually arrives before speaking.

We tried to talk through ordinary life: nappy on, bottle here, Papa is coming back. It felt repetitive to us, but it was all new to Ari.

Pause long enough for an answer

Babies need time to process. Asking a question and leaving a quiet gap gave Ari a chance to make a sound, look or gesture before we filled the silence for her.

Books did not need to be read perfectly. Pointing at a picture and naming what interested her was enough.

Our multilingual home

Ari hears two languages now, and we plan to bring in our third language later. That timing is simply what feels manageable for our family.

Learning more than one language does not cause a speech delay. Words and communication across all the languages count together, even if one language has fewer words on its own.

If babbling, gestures or words are not developing, or a skill disappears, bring it up with your baby’s doctor or nurse. Hearing is worth checking too.