All parents are eager to hear the first words their baby says. For many, those first words come in the form of “mama” or “dada.” But when do babies say mama?
Let’s explore when and why babies say mama first!
When Do Babies Typically Say Mama?
Babies typically begin babbling and cooing around 4-6 months old, but it can take until 12 months for a baby to actually utter the word mama.
The average age for a baby to say the word is between 8-9 months, although this can vary from one infant to another.
It is not unusual for some children to say mama as early as 7 months, while others may not use the word until they are 11 or 12 months old.
Why Do Babies Say Mama First?
Most babies will say mama before dada because infants tend to be more familiar with their mother’s voice than that of their father’s.
A baby has been listening to their mommy’s voice since they were in utero and so they have become accustomed to hearing her vocal tones and rhythms.
Additionally, moms tend to spend more time talking with and cuddling their infants than dads do, which further reinforces a child’s familiarity with the sound of their mother’s voice compared with that of their father’s.
When Should I Worry If My Baby Hasn’t Said Mama Yet?
It is important not to worry if your baby has yet to say mama at 9 or 10 months—or even later! Every child develops at his or her own pace and you should never compare your little one with other children their age.
If you are concerned about your child’s development then speak with your pediatrician who can provide reassurance or suggest strategies if needed.
Hearing your baby’s first word is an exciting milestone for both parents and children alike! While most babies will begin babbling between 4-6 months old, it may not be until 8-9 months that they utter the magic word – mama!
Don’t worry if your little one hasn’t said it yet; every child develops at his or her own pace so just enjoy being there when your little one takes that very special first step into language!
