7-12 month milestones

Below are standards and normative data collected for milestones achieved by age.

7 to 9 Months

Looks at you when you call their name.

Stops for a moment when you say, “No.”

Babbles long strings of sounds, like mamamama, upup, or babababa.

Looks for loved ones when upset.

Raises arms to be picked up.

Recognizes the names of some people and objects.

Pushes away unwanted objects.

10 to 12 Months

By age 10 months, reaches for objects.

Points, waves, and shows or gives objects.

imitates and initiates gestures for engaging in social interactions and playing games,

like blowing kisses or playing peek-a-boo.

Tries to copy sounds that you make.

Enjoys dancing.

Responds to simple words and phrases like “Go bye-bye” and “Look at Mommy.”

Says one or two words—like mama, dada, hi, and bye.

7 to 12 Months

Each child develops uniquely, even within the same family, and may meet

certain milestones earlier or later than others.

COMMUNICATION MILESTONES

These communication milestones cover hearing,

speech, and language development in children.

What can I do to help?

Pay attention to your child’s hearing. See if they turn to

noise or look at you when you talk. Look for signs like

crying while they are pulling on their ears, which could

mean ear problems or infections. If you are concerned,

see your doctor.

Respond to your child. Look at them when they make

noises. Talk to them. Imitate the sounds they make.

Make silly faces with them. Laugh when they do.

Teach your baby to copy actions, like peek-a-boo, clapping,

blowing kisses, and waving bye-bye. This teaches them how

to take turns and use gestures.

Talk about what you do during the day. Say things like

“Mommy is washing your hair”; “You are eating peas”;

and “Oh, these peas are good!”

Teach animal sounds, like “A cow says ‘moo.’”

Sing, tell stories, or read to your child every day.

Talk to your child in the languages you are most

comfortable using. Early exposure helps your child learn

language best.

You can always ASK your pediatrician for a speech evaluation referral!

Source: (ASHA 2026)