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

The CDC's milestone checklists say what most children (75% or more) can do by each age. They list “Tries to say one or two words besides ‘mama’ or ‘dada,’ like ‘ba’ for ball or ‘da’ for dog” by 15 months. If your child is not doing this by then, the CDC's advice is not to wait: talk with your child's doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening. The same goes at any age if your child loses a skill they once had, or if anything else about their development worries you. Source: the CDC's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” milestone checklists, checked October 5, 2026.

CDC: Milestones by 15 months · CDC: all milestone checklists