Early communication milestones
This 56 Signs site focuses on baby motor development. There are, of course, other important milestones to attend to.
The child’s language and communication abilities develop along with the motor achievements of the first 18 months.
As a parent or caregiver, you are better positioned than almost anyone to notice how a baby or toddler is communicating.
Below is an age-ordered list of communication abilities to notice and appreciate.
By 6 months most babies can:
turn to source of sounds
startle in response to sudden, loud noises
make different cries for different needs (for example, I'm hungry, I'm tired)
watch your face as you talk
smile and laugh in response to your smiles and laughs
imitate coughs or other sounds (for example, ah, eh, buh)
By 9 months most babies can:
respond to their name
respond to the telephone ringing or a knock at the door
understand being told "no"
get what they want through sounds and gestures (for example, reaching to be picked up)
play social games with you (for example, peek-a-boo)
enjoys being around people
babbles and repeats sounds (for example, babababa, duhduhduh)
By 12 months most babies can:
follow simple one-step directions (for example, "sit down")
look across the room to something you point to
use three or more words
use gestures to communicate (for example, waves "bye bye", shakes head "no")
get your attention using sounds, gestures and pointing while looking at your eyes
bring you toys to show you
"perform" for attention and praise
combine lots of sounds as though talking (for example, abada baduh abee)
show interest in simple picture books
By 18 months most children can:
understand the concepts of "in and out", and "off and on"
point to several body parts when asked
use at least 20 words
respond with words or gestures to simple questions (for example, "where's teddy?", "what's that?")
demonstrate some pretend play with toys (for example, gives teddy a drink)
make at least four different consonant sounds (for example, b, n, d, g, w, h)
enjoy being read to and looking at simple books with you
point to pictures using one finger
Communication skills are developed through interaction with others. Caregivers provide crucial experiences by talking, reading, singing, and playing frequently with babies and toddlers.