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When do babies start talking?

The CDC's milestone checklist lists trying to say “one or two words besides “mama” or “dada,”” like “ba” for ball, by 15 months, and three or more words by 18 months. Most children (75% or more) do these by those ages. By 2 years it lists two words together, like “More milk.” Worried? 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
15 monthsTries to say one or two words besides “mama” or “dada,” like “ba” for ball or “da” for dogYour toddler at 15 months
18 monthsTries to say three or more words besides “mama” or “dada”Your toddler at 18 months
2 yearsSays at least two words together, like “More milk.”Your toddler at 24 months

Each row is from the CDC's checklist for that age (15 months, 18 months, 2 years), checked October 29, 2026.

What “by 15 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 15 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

The CDC's own examples of first words are part-words: “ba” for ball, “da” for dog. They count.

What helps

  • Talk about what your child is looking at, in short, clear words: "Dog! A big dog."
  • When they say a part-word, say the whole word back: "Ba? Ball! You want the ball."
  • Read together every day, and pause to let them point and name.

Talk to your pediatrician if…

Your baby isn't doing this by 15 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