Says first word besides mama/dada

What is this milestone?

First meaningful word

Your baby consistently uses a specific word (other than 'mama' or 'dada') to refer to a specific object, person, or action, with clear intent.

Why it matters

This is the dawn of true expressive language. Your baby has made the complex cognitive connection that abstract vocal sounds can be used to communicate specific meanings to get what they want or share their thoughts.

What to expect leading up to it

First words are rarely pronounced perfectly. 'Ba' might mean bottle, ball, or book. The key is consistency and intent. This milestone is often preceded by lots of expressive jargon that sounds like real speech but isn't.

How to encourage and support it

Acknowledge and expand on their attempts. If they point and say 'Ba!', you can respond, 'Yes, ball! You want the red ball.' Reading books and naming objects throughout the day provides a rich vocabulary environment.

When to talk to your doctor

First words range widely, and understanding usually runs well ahead of speaking. Tell your pediatrician if your child has no true words by 16 months, if they are not using gestures like waving or pointing, or if they seem not to understand simple familiar words. A hearing check is usually the first step and is quick and painless. And at any age, if your baby loses a skill they already had, tell your pediatrician that week.