"Mama" or babbling?

To know if your child is saying a word or just babbling, you need to consider whether they are saying the 'word' CONSISTENTLY and INTENTIONALLY when what they are referring to is in the room.

Saying "dadadada" doesn't necessarily mean they're saying"dad", especially if dad isn't present, they don't always say it when Dad's around and they don't look at Dad when they're saying it.

YES animal noises count as first words.

As do signs and using a communication device or pointing to pictures to get the message across.

Children can often sign/gesture and point to pictures long before they can accurately say a word, that's why I talk so much about signing with your baby!

Did any of these surprise you?

Share with a parent who's eager to hear their little one talk.

Watch the full reel here