That moment every parent dreams of: hearing your baby clearly say "Mama" (or "Dada!"). But when does this magical milestone typically happen? While every baby develops at their own pace, most begin experimenting with sounds around 6-9 months. 'Mama' and 'Dada' are often among the first words because they're comprised of simple, repetitive sounds babies can easily mimic.
Keep in mind, early babbling might not be intentional. Your baby might be practicing sounds that *sound* like 'Mama' without fully understanding the meaning. True, intentional use of 'Mama' usually emerges closer to 10-12 months, when they start associating the word with you.
Encourage your little one by talking to them frequently, using clear and simple language. Repeat 'Mama' often while pointing to yourself. Reading books and singing songs are also great ways to stimulate language development. Be patient and enjoy the journey – before you know it, 'Mama' will be your new favorite sound! If you have any concerns about your baby's speech development, consult with your pediatrician.
