Verbal Expectations: 10-12 Months

Your 10–12-month-old is growing and learning at a rapid pace! Here are some speech and language milestones you can expect during this time:

• Responds to simple verbal requests. Your baby might start to understand simple commands, such as “come here” or “give me that.” They might also start to follow simple directions, such as “put your shoes on” or “go to bed.”
• Makes a variety of sounds. Your baby might start to babble and coo, and they might even start to imitate some of the sounds they hear around them.
• Starts to use gestures. Your baby might start to wave bye-bye, shake their head no, and point to things they want.
• Starts to use simple words. Your baby might start to say words like “dada” and “mama,” and they might start to use these words to communicate their needs and wants.

It is important to remember that all children learn and develop at different rates. If you are concerned about your baby’s speech or language development, talk to your doctor. They can help you assess your baby’s progress and provide you with resources, supports, and referrals when needed.

Here are some tips for helping your baby develop speech and language skills:

• Talk to your baby often. The more you talk to your baby, the more they will hear language and the better they will become at understanding and using language.
• Read to your baby. Reading to your baby helps them learn about language and how words sound.
• Sing to your baby. Singing to your baby helps them learn about rhythm and melody, and it also helps them develop their vocal cords.
• Play games with your baby. Games like peek-a-boo and patty-cake help your baby learn about social interaction and how to take turns.

Be patient. It takes time for babies to develop speech and language skills. Be patient and encouraging, and your baby will eventually reach their milestones.

For more examples and a wonderful explanation of the developmental milestones, see the video below published by the Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (CERC) at Albert Einstein College of Medicine:

For more info, see:
Verbal Expectations: Birth to 3 Months
Verbal Expectations: 4-6 Months
Verbal Expectations: 7-9 Months