What Are The Most Common First Words For Babies? – Being Parents

The onset of speech is one of the major stages in a baby’s development ; it is a time eagerly awaited by mothers and fathers. In fact, most of them fondly remember their child’s first words.

Usually, between 11 and 18 months, and even before, babies say a word for the first time. But just as they say that every child is different and learns to speak at their own pace, we also know that not all babies start saying the same word, although some are more common.

In the following lines, we will find out which words babies tend to enter the world of verbal communication with.

What are the most common first words of babies?

The first words children say are directly linked to their own experiences in the immediate environment, especially within the family unit.

The words most often repeated by adults, and especially those spoken by parents or primary caregivers, are often the first words in an infant’s vocabulary.

In general, all mothers and fathers communicate equally with their young during the first months of life. Therefore, there are certain words that babies tend to choose as their initial vocabulary. Here is a list of the most common.

First words relating to family members

Many children first say “mama”, “dada”, “gaga”, “tata”… In addition to being simple and easy to pronounce, because they are formed by the repetition of two equal syllables, they are terms used to refer to the closest members of the family, with whom babies are used to interacting.

Affirmations or denials

“Yes” and “no” are two of the words most heard by babies from birth. This is why, whether by gestures or by speaking, children quickly learn to express affirmations or denials, which for many is the way to start their repertoire of vocabulary.

First words related to food

One of the basic needs of every human being is to be nourished. It is therefore not surprising that some babies choose to say the name of a food or something related to when they eat as the first word, for example “water”, “drink”, “bread”, etc. .

It is also common for little ones to say some kind of expression useful for receiving food, such as “give me”, “I want”, “more”, etc.

Greetings

Greetings are a sign of politeness and courtesy. It is a social norm that is passed down from generation to generation. For example, many babies who have become accustomed to greeting each other say “hello” or “goodbye” as their first word.

Onomatopoeic words

In some cases, a child’s first word is not a dictionary word, but an onomatopoeic word used to name something, such as “woof” for a dog or “meow” for a cat.

Stimulate the development of babies’ first words

The family is the natural context in which children grow up and develop all of their abilities. It should therefore be as rewarding and stimulating as possible.

In the case of learning to speak, to promote the pronunciation of the first words in the baby, it is important for mothers and fathers to establish constant verbal communication with the little one from the first months of his life. This communication must be clear, very expressive and maintain important eye contact.

So after several months of one-sided conversations, one day, when you least expect it, you will hear your child say their first word – an unforgettable moment that you will remember for the rest of your life!