While every baby’s first word is special, you may be wondering; When Do Babies Say Mama and Dada? When Do Babies Say Mama and Dada? A Detailed Guide for Parents One of the most heartwarming moments in parenting is hearing your baby say “mama” or “dada” for the first time. But the journey to these magical first words is filled with fascinating milestones, babbles, and learning opportunities. So when do babies say mama and dada, and how can you support your child’s speech development along the way? Speech pathologist Michelle Mintz, M.S., CCC-SLP,  is here to break down everything you need to know.   Typical Language Development Timeline for When babies say mama and dada? If you’re wondering, “when do babies say mama and dada?”—the answer begins with a series of early communication milestones: – Newborn Phase: Babies communicate mainly by crying from birth, which is how they first express their needs. – Cooing (1–3 months): Around one month, you might hear cooing sounds, which become clearer and more frequent by three months. These are your baby’s first attempts at non-cry vocalizations. – Babbling (4–7 months): Between four and seven months, most babies start to babble repetitive sounds, like “bababa,” “dadada,” and “mamama.” This is a playful stage, where they experiment with their vocal cords and learn to control their mouths and tongues. – Recognizing Words (8–9 months): At this point, babies start to understand common words and begin to associate certain sounds and words with specific people or objects. They might not follow instructions yet, but receptive language is growing fast.   When Do Babies Say Mama and Dada With Meaning? – First Words (10–12 months): According to Michelle Mintz, babies typically begin to say real, meaningful words between 10 and 12 months. “By their first birthday, most children have about 5 to 7 words they use with intention,” says Mintz. This means that when your child looks at you and says “mama,” they’re purposefully referencing you—not everyone around them. – “Dada” vs. “Mama”: There’s always curiosity about which word comes first—will it be “mama” or “dada”? Mintz explains that “dada” is often easier for babies because the “d” sound is less physically challenging. Sucking motions, which babies already practice, help them form the “d” sound, while the “m” sound requires pressing their lips together, which can be trickier for some infants. – Variation Is Normal: Every child develops at their own pace. Some may say “dada” first, others “mama,” but both are important steps in early speech development. Factors That Affect When Do Babies Say Mama and Dada? Many parents wonder what influences when babies say “mama” and “dada.” Here are some key factors: – Language Exposure: Babies who hear lots of conversation and receive direct engagement tend to speak earlier. -Interaction and Engagement: Face-to-face time, making eye contact, and narrating activities help babies form associations between sounds and meanings. – Individual Differences: Each child’s physiology and personality play a role. Some may babble earlier; others may take their time. – Family Environment: Everyday language routines, including reading together and singing, encourage earlier verbalization. How to Encourage Your Baby to Say Mama If you’re eager to hear your baby say “mama,” Michelle Mintz offers several easy strategies: – Talk Often: Narrate your day. For instance, say, “Mama is making breakfast,” or “Mama loves you.” This repetition—and linking the word “mama” to yourself—reinforces its meaning. – Read Together: Choose books that use “mama” and “dada” repeatedly. Point to yourself and your baby’s other parent as you say the words. – Repeat and Celebrate: When your baby attempts the right sounds or words, respond with enthusiasm and positive reinforcement. – Minimize Screen Time: Opt for direct engagement, as real human interaction is far more effective for language learning than passive listening or screen exposure. Signs Your Baby Is Getting Close Here’s what to watch for as your baby approaches the “mama” and “dada” milestones: – Increased babbling, especially repetitive “mamama” or “dadada” sounds – Turning when you say their name or familiar words – Attempting to copy mouth shapes and sounds from parents or siblings – Using gestures (like reaching for you) while babbling What If Your Baby Isn’t Saying Mama or Dada Yet? Don’t panic if, by 12 months, your baby isn’t saying “mama” or “dada” with meaning. All babies develop at their own pace, and some simply take a little longer. However, consistent interaction—talking, singing, reading, and responding to your baby—are all ways to encourage those first words. If you have concerns about your child’s hearing or language development, it’s always a good idea to consult a pediatrician or speech-language pathologist. Key Takeaway: When Do Babies Say Mama and Dada? To summarize, most babies say “mama” and “dada” meaningfully between 10 and 12 months, following months of cooing and babbling. The best way to nurture your child’s language skills is by interacting, reading, and talking with them every day. — About the Expert: Michelle Mintz, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a licensed speech-language pathologist specializing in early childhood communication milestones. — For more tips on baby milestones and language development, explore my other resources. And remember—whether your baby says “mama” or “dada” first, the most important thing is the loving connection you’re building together. References: Interview with todaysparents.com Get started at meetmmintz.com , find out more at babybloomingmoments.com or connect  with Michelle on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Or email: michelle@meetmmintz.com When Do Babies Say Mama and Dada? This article has been reformatted from its original creation.