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When do babies respond to their name?

The CDC's milestone checklist lists “Looks when you call her name” by 9 months. That means most babies (75% or more) look when you call their name by 9 months, and many do it sooner. If your baby doesn't look when you call their name by 9 months, the CDC says don't wait: talk with your child's doctor.

Checked October 29, 2026.

What the CDC's checklists say

Milestones from the CDC's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” checklists, word for word
ByThe CDC's milestoneMonth page
9 monthsLooks when you call her nameYour baby at 9 months

Each row is from the CDC's checklist for that age (9 months), checked October 29, 2026.

What “by 9 months” means

Developmental milestones are things most children (75% or more) can do by a certain age. The CDC puts each milestone at the age by which at least 75% of children would be expected to do it, so that even one missing milestone leads to a conversation with the doctor instead of “wait and see”. So “by 9 months” isn't an average. Many children do it sooner, and the checklists don't list everything a child learns.

What it can look like

Turning to look at you when you say their name, even when they can't see you.

What helps

  • Use your baby's name often, and smile and wave when they look.
  • Play a name game: call their name from behind a door, then pop out.
  • Use their name in songs: "Where is Sam? There she is!"

Talk to your pediatrician if…

Your baby isn't doing this by 9 months, the age on the CDC's list, has lost a skill they once had, or you're worried for any reason.

You know your child best. Don't wait. If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. Talk with your child's doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening.

If you or the doctor are still concerned, the CDC says to ask for a referral to a specialist, and to call your state's early intervention program (find the number on the CDC's list). You do not need to wait for a doctor's referral or a medical diagnosis to make this call. If your child is younger than 3 years old, contact your local early intervention system.

More from the CDC: Concerned about your child's development? If your child seems unwell, call your pediatrician, or 911 in an emergency.

Sources