Decoding Baby’s Funny Little Noises and Sounds New 2020

Don’t be surprised if you hear your baby engaged in a full monologue, in a language of her own. Babies start to babble at around 4 to 6 months, producing a steady stream of different vowel and consonant sounds that seem like they could be words but aren’t quite there yet. Your child will start with the easiest sounds, like “p,” “b,” and “m,” according to Diane Paul of ASHA. You’ll hear a lot of “puh puh puhs” or “buh buh buhs” at first.

After your baby has had more practice, you’ll hear additional variety, and she may produce groups of sounds like “tah tah, ba ba, bee bee.” These are the precursor to talking, so “muh muh” may become “mama” and “ba ba” may become “bottle.”

There are lots of things you can do to help: When she pauses, babble back. Try new sounds and pitches to see if she’ll try to imitate you and make up babble songs. Being responsive will help teach her the patterns of speech and conversation.

Originally published in Parents magazine.