What is babbling in speech therapy?

When babies make repetitive sounds like "ba-ba-ba" or "da-da-da." Starts around 6 months and is a crucial stepping stone to first words. No babbling by 9 months is a red flag. Example: "Ba-ba-ba," "ma-ma-ma," or "da-da-da."

📈Developmental Milestones

Babbling

What is babbling in speech therapy?

When babies make repetitive sounds like "ba-ba-ba" or "da-da-da." Starts around 6 months and is a crucial stepping stone to first words. No babbling by 9 months is a red flag.

Example

"Ba-ba-ba," "ma-ma-ma," or "da-da-da."

🔊 Baby babbling sounds

How can I help my child with babbling?

Our simple vehicle sounds like "vroom" and "beep" build on babbling patterns.

Explore Talk & Listen App

About this guide: This glossary is designed to help parents understand speech therapy terminology. Definitions are simplified for clarity and informed by resources from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Not medical advice: This information is educational only. For concerns about your child's speech development, consult a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP).Find an SLP near you →

Learn More From Trusted Sources

ASHA: Speech & Language Development Chart— Official milestones by age
ASHA: Late Blooming or Language Problem?— When to seek help
Identify the Signs— ASHA's early intervention resource

Parents Also Ask

When should babies start babbling?▼

Babbling typically starts around 6-7 months. By 9 months, babies should be babbling with varied sounds. If your baby isn't babbling by 9 months, mention it to your pediatrician.

What is the difference between cooing and babbling?▼

Cooing (2-4 months) = vowel sounds like "ooo" and "aaa." Babbling (6+ months) = consonant-vowel combos like "ba-ba" and "da-da." Babbling is more speech-like and leads to first words.

"Little Wheels transports you into a child's playroom and emulates the creativity and exploration of toys in a natural way!"

Alexandria Dominici M.S. CCC-SLP/SLS PC — Speech-Language Pathologist

Trusted by 25+ Speech-Language PathologistsSee all SLP reviews →

Related Terms

First Words

A child's earliest meaningful words, typically appearing around 12 months. Common first words include "mama," "dada," "ball," "car," and "more." Most children have 1-3 words by their first birthday.

More Developmental Milestones

View all →

First Words Two-Word Combinations Intelligibility Two-Word Combinations Intelligibility MLU (Mean Length of Utterance)

Learn More About Speech Development

Late Talker Milestones Is Your Toddler a Late Talker?5 Signs Your Toddler Needs a Speech App 5 Myths About Speech Delay

Explore our parent guides for more speech development resources.

Support Your Child's Speech Development

Little Wheels apps use vehicle-based learning to make speech practice engaging and fun. Perfect for home practice between therapy sessions.

Explore Talk & Listen Browse All Terms