Helping Your Baby with Language Development (Ages 8-12 Months)

What can I expect as my baby grows up?

At age 8 months, your baby can...

• Laugh, coo and gurgle
• Try to copy different sounds
• Stop when their own name is called
• Lift their arms when you ask “Want up?”
• Make single syllables or two syllables, such as “ba,” “da” or “ka” or “baba,” “dada” or “gaga”
• Listen to sounds from themselves and others

At age 10 months, your baby can...

• Look at people and objects when named
• Wave in response to “bye bye”
• Might say “mama” or “dada”
• Shout to get your attention
• Use babbling sounds like real words
• Play peek-a-boo
• Repeat a sound or series of sounds

At age 12 months, your baby can...

• Point to 2 body parts on themselves when you say their names
• Follow simple directions
• Point to objects for you to get them
• Copy familiar words
• Say 2 or 3 words besides “mama” or “dada”
• Make 3 animal sounds

Rev. 9/2018. Reviewed by the MGfC Family Advisory Council. Mass General for Children and Massachusetts General Hospital do not endorse any of the brands listed on this handout. This handout is intended to provide health information so that you can be better informed. It is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to treatment of any medical conditions.