12 Month Old Milestones: Communication

February 2, 2022 Stephanie Keffer

Learn what communication skills to look for when your baby turns 12 months old.

How many words should a 12 month old say?

A 12 month old may say a handful of words, or none at all. Both would be expected for their age.

Babies say their first word between 10-14 months. So if your baby hasn’t said their first word yet, that alone is not reason to panic!

If you are looking to support your baby in saying their first word, check out our free lesson which will teach you the most powerful things you can do as their parents to encourage them to talk.

How do 12 month olds tell you what they want or need?

At this age, babies communicate through gestures and their tone of voice. They will begin to hand you things when they need help and show you what they want by pointing or taking you to it.

Babies who have just turned 1 may not be saying many words, but they are babbling. Listen for them to change their tone of voice when they babble to express if they are happy or upset.

What do 12 month olds understand?

Perhaps the most remarkable skill time period is the number of words your baby understands. Babies’ brains act like sponges! Watch for your baby to show you that they understand the names of things and people they interact with often.

12 month olds will show you they understand the names of different people and things by looking at the person or thing you named.

Communication Milestones Checklist for 12 Month Olds

Expression Skills

How does your baby "tell" you things?

▢ Makes sounds when they are playing to tell me they are having fun.

▢ Can "tell" me when they are hungry or need something.

▢ Shakes their head "no," points, claps, and/or waves bye-bye.

▢ Copies some sounds, like moo, woof, uh-oh, & wow.

▢ Has said their first word! (**Listen for fist word by 14 months)

Understanding Skills

What words does your baby know?

▢ Looks towards me when I say their name or call to get their attention

▢ Understands what "no" means.

▢ Knows the name of several things they see everyday; when I say the name of a familiar object they look towards it

▢ Follows at least one command, such as: give me, come here, and sit down

Pronunciation Skills

Which sounds should I be listening for?

▢ Ma-ma-ma, Pa-pa-pa, and or Ba-ba-ba

▢ Crying

▢ Laughing

▢ Babbling

Social Communication Skills

How does your little one play and interact with others?

▢ Smiles and laughs when playing with parents

▢ Watches people who are talking to them

▢ Enjoys playing people games, like Peek-A-Boo

▢ Makes excited sounds when playing with others

▢ Enjoys listening to music and may try to dance along

Download a printable copy of the checklist now ↓

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At Home Speech Activities for 1 Year Olds

Grow Your Baby's Talking Skills Using Sound Effects

Now is a fantastic time to encourage your child to make silly sounds, animal sounds, vehicle sounds, and exclamatory remarks.

When playing with your child, make as many sound effects as you can. Here are some examples:

Wow!
Pop!
Yum!
Uh-Oh! Or Oh-No!
Moo-Moo, Ba-Ba and other animal sounds
Brmmm (car sound)
E-oo-E-oo (ambulance sound)
Beep-Beep!
Ahh-choo (fake sneeze)

Even if your child is not yet copying your sounds, they are listening to you! Listening is the first step towards imitation. Your child will imitate you as they are ready.

When playing with sound effects, look for your baby to:

▢ Watch your face as your make sound effects

▢ Imitate or copy sounds that you make

▢ Look for a toy that corresponds to a sound you make (if you say "moo" they may pick up the cow)