When does a baby talk? When do first words appear?
⚡ Short answer: First meaningful words usually come around 12-15 months; saying 'dada' and 'mama' at 11 months is exactly on schedule—if there are no meaningful words by 18 months, check with your doctor.
Anonymous
11 aylık bebek annesi · Development
My 11-month-old only says 'dada' and 'mama.' When will real words come? How can I support speech?
Maiyko AI ADVISOR
The real reply from the in-app AI advisor
At 11 months, saying "dada" and "mama" is a wonderful start—you're right on track. Most babies say their first meaningful words (like mommy, water, ball) between 12-15 months. Your baby is doing great.
Here's how you can support speech:
- Narrate your day in simple sentences as you do things: "We're making lunch," "We're getting the ball."
- Echo their sounds and expand on them: if they say "ba-ba," you say "Yes, dada is coming."
- Comment instead of question—share observations like "The dog is barking," "The car is going."
- Prioritize face-to-face time over screens and videos.
You don't need to worry right now. As long as your baby is pointing, copying, and responding to sounds, speech development is on track. If there are no meaningful words by 18 months, that's when you'd check in with your pediatrician.
You're doing great, and language is developing beautifully. 💛
⚕️ Health note: This answer is for general information only; it is not medical advice. Every baby is different — for decisions about your baby's health, consult your pediatrician.
This answer is general — yours can be personal 🐦
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