6 age groups
Language/Communication Development Milestones
Track your baby's language/communication development from birth to 24 months. See what to expect at every age.
0-3 months4 milestones
- Coos and makes gurgling sounds
- Turns head toward sounds
- Makes soothing sounds
- Cries differently for different needs
3-6 months6 milestones
- Begins to babble
- Copies sounds
- Cries in different ways to show needs
- Responds to name
- Strings vowels together (ah, eh, oh)
- Squeals with delight
6-9 months5 milestones
- Understands 'no'
- Makes sounds like 'mamama' and 'bababa'
- Copies sounds and gestures
- Uses fingers to point at things
- Responds to own name
9-12 months6 milestones
- Waves 'bye-bye'
- Calls parent 'mama' or 'dada' specifically
- Understands and follows simple directions
- Says single words like 'uh-oh'
- Points to show what wants
- Uses gestures to communicate needs
12-18 months7 milestones
- Says several single words
- Puts 2 words together
- Points to 2+ body parts when asked
- Follows simple 1-step directions
- Uses more gestures (blows kiss)
- Uses 10-25 recognizable words
- Responds to simple questions with gestures
18-24 months7 milestones
- Puts 2+ words together
- Points to things in book when asked
- Points to 2+ body parts
- Uses 'I', 'me', or 'we'
- Uses 50+ words
- Asks simple questions (what's that?)
- Names familiar pictures in books
View all Milestones Guide
Milestone criteria based on CDC and AAP research — sourced from the CDC's Learn the Signs. Act Early. program, developed in collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics. For informational purposes only; not endorsed by or affiliated with the CDC or AAP.
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Or save with the Dalo Family Bundle →Complete guide to baby language/communication milestones from birth to 24 months. Covers 6 age groups with specific milestones for each developmental stage.
