When do babies say their first words?
The CDC's checklist for 12 months includes calling a parent mama, dada or another special name. Its checklists show what most children, 75 out of 100 or more, do by that age, and children differ. If you are worried about your child's talking, the CDC says to talk with their doctor early rather than wait.
Checked October 29, 2026.
Asked by families like yours and answered by Peabody editors. How we write and check. For your own child, your pediatrician knows best.
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Sources
- CDC, Learn the Signs. Act Early.: Milestones by 1 Year (reviewed 16 May 2026) (checked October 29, 2026)
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): Communication Milestones, Birth to 1 Year (checked October 29, 2026)
- CDC: Why Act Early if You're Concerned about Development? (reviewed 17 Feb 2026) (checked October 29, 2026)