When is that magical moment when a child goes from coos and babbles to real words? HELLO Lab’s latest episode, “When Do Kids Say Their First Words,” looks at this question using research and real footage from their lab! 

This episode explains that before words fully emerge, babies spend several months practicing sounds, listening closely, and learning how communication works. Word learning is a long, yet important process. The video discusses the milestones babies reach before they begin to talk. All the small steps lead to the child learning about the purpose of communication.  

Although the moment at which children begin talking varies, most babies develop important communication skills throughout infancy before spoken language emerges. 

Watch more here!

Grace Hoey 

UConn KIDS Research Assistant

---