Most One Year Olds can:
- Recognize name
- Say “mama” and “dada” (nonspecifically) and 2-3 words besides “mama” and “dada”
- Imitate familiar words
- Understand simple instructions
- Recognize words as symbols for objects: car points to garage, dog barks
- Babble single consonants
- Shout for attention
- Wave hi and bye
- Demonstrate an understanding of some words by gesturing or pointing
Parenting Tips for Speech Skills:
Around eight months, you’ll notice your baby has a lot to say. He or she will play with sounds like “ba ba ba,” as well as know that “dada” means Dad.
- Explain the grocery store. Your baby will enjoy sitting in the grocery cart looking at all the sights, but remember to talk to him/her about what he/she is seeing. “Look, over there are apples. Lets get some red apples.”
- Give simple directions. When your baby is getting a bath, hand over the washcloth and say, “Wash your tummy.”
- Walk in the room where Grandma is sitting and say, “Where’s Grandma?” When your baby follows directions, make sure you acknowledge the accomplishment and thank them.
- Eliminate background noise. If you have a television or radio on throughout the day, your baby will have a hard time hearing the gentle ticking of a clock or the birds chirping outside. It will also be easier for your baby to hear the sounds of your words more clearly.