Hearing the baby utter their first word is the most joyous moment in the parent’s life. Parents may also wonder when do babies say “mama” and “dada.” It is a milestone that most parents anticipate. Learning to talk is a gradual process that starts with basic communication skills such as gurgling and cooing. Most babies can do it by the time they are three months of age (1). However, every baby is unique and grows at its own pace. So, the timeline for when they would utter “mama” or ”dada” may differ. Read on to know when babies say “mama” and “dada” and some tips to encourage your baby to say those adorable words.
At What Age Do Babies Say “Mama” And “Dada”?
Babies usually say “Mama” and “Dada” by the age of nine months (2). It is the average age for achieving the milestone, and it does not mean all babies say those words at nine months. Some infants might be able to say it earlier, while some may take a few extra months to say those adorable words.
“Mama” Or “Dada”: Which Comes First?
There is no fixed trend or rule about whether the baby would say “Mama” or “Dada” first, although they may usually say “Mama” first. The “M” consonant sound is usually easier for a baby to say, and they might use the “Mmm” sound while gurgling by the age of six months (1). They may also say vowel sounds, such as “Ah” and “Eh.” By the age of nine months, a baby learns to club the “Mmm” sound with the “Ah” vowel sound to make “Mama.” Some babies also club the “Ah” vowel sound with the “D” sound to say “Dada.” As their speech skills improve and orofacial muscles become stronger, they become better at speaking various consonant sounds. Thus, most babies can say both “Mama” and “Dada” by the age of 12 months.
Do Babies Mean It When They Say “Mama” And “Dada”?
Most babies can understand the words’ meaning and correctly attribute “Mama” and “Dada” to the right parent by the age of 12 months (3). Some younger babies may understand the meaning of the words, that is, they learn that the words are used to refer to the primary caregivers — the parents. However, it is not uncommon for younger babies to use the words interchangeably to refer to a parent or anyone else. As the baby’s cognitive development progresses, they become better at understanding nouns and could remember names. A one-year-old could even point towards the right object or person when it is named (4). Therefore, it is usually by the age of 12 months that babies say “Mama” and “Dada” with the correct understanding of its meaning (5).
Tips To Make Babies Say “Mama” And “Dada”
Each baby is different and may achieve the milestone at a slightly different age. Nevertheless, you may try various activities and exercises to help the baby achieve this speech milestone. Below are some methods to improve the baby’s language and communication skills, thus encouraging the baby to say “Mama” and “Dada” gradually (1). Remember that each baby is different, and it is okay for a baby to achieve milestones at a different age than their peers. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, consult a doctor if your baby does not say any single words by the age of 12 months (1). Depending on the underlying cause of speech delay, the doctor may refer you to a pediatric speech therapist.
