The short answer
At 7–9 months, babies may experiment with more varied sounds and repeat syllables such as “ba-ba-ba”. Babbling develops gradually; these sounds do not necessarily mean your baby is deliberately saying “mama” or “dada”.
In this guide · 11 sections
Keep in mind
- Babbling often becomes more varied over time.
- Your baby may copy sounds they hear around them.
- Repeated syllables do not always mean a deliberate first word.
- Ask your GP/health visitor or paediatrician about limited sound response or loss of skills.
What does babbling sound like?
As your baby sits on your lap looking at a toy, they might suddenly say ‘ba-ba-ba,’ almost as if they have something to tell you. Then they may raise their pitch, laugh, or try those syllables again. Babbling is the name for these speech-like sound experiments; it doesn't have to turn into recognisable words right away.
Babbling involves more than repeating syllables. Experimenting with volume and rhythm can be part of it, too. Being especially vocal one day and quietly absorbed in a toy the next is not, by itself, a measure of development.
How might sounds change at 7, 8 and 9 months?
From around seven months, your baby may respond to sounds with their own voice and begin joining consonant sounds. NHS speech and language guidance describes babbling as developing across the first year; sounds may grow longer and more varied over time.
By nine months, some babies enjoy long strings of babble and copy sounds they hear. These are examples, not monthly tests: communication develops continuously and at different rates.
Does saying “mama” or “dada” count as a first word?
It can be exciting when your baby says ‘mamama’ while looking at you. But if they use the same sound while playing with a toy, eating, or sitting alone, they are probably practising syllables rather than naming someone.
Using a word meaningfully involves increasingly connecting that sound with a particular person or situation. You don't need to expect a certain number of meaningful words at this age. Babbling and meaningful speech are different stages of development.
Communication is more than making sounds
Looking at you, turning towards your voice, reaching to be picked up or taking turns making sounds are all ways your baby may communicate before words. Notice how they engage with you in everyday moments rather than testing one behaviour.
You won't always know what a particular sound means. Looking at your baby's expression, what they're watching, and what's happening around them can help you respond to their attempt to connect.
How can sound games support communication?
When your baby says ‘da-da,’ try repeating the sound and pausing briefly. If they vocalize again, respond. These tiny back-and-forth games offer natural opportunities to experience the turn-taking of conversation.
During a nappy change you might say, ‘Let's put on your clean nappy,’ or while watching a ball, ‘The red ball rolled away.’ Pointing to one animal in a picture book, singing a familiar song, or smiling back at your baby's giggle also matters. There is no need for long lessons or pressure to repeat sounds.
Will hearing two languages at home delay babbling?
Babies can hear and learn more than one language at home. Speak naturally in the languages your family uses; if you have concerns about your baby’s communication, discuss them with your health visitor, GP or local speech and language therapy service.
It's enough for family members to speak naturally in the languages they feel comfortable using. You don't need to count whether your baby produces the same syllables in each language. Focus on their gaze, back-and-forth sounds, and overall engagement with people.
When should hearing or development be assessed?
If your baby rarely turns toward sounds, makes very few different sounds as they approach 9 months, or has noticeably limited vocal interaction with you, talk with their GP or health visitor. Losing sounds or other communication abilities they previously used also deserves attention without delay.
If your baby rarely responds to sounds, makes very few varied sounds as nine months approaches, or loses communication skills, speak with your health visitor or GP. A newborn hearing screen does not rule out later hearing changes; hearing and development can be assessed together.
What can you do today?
Choose a calm moment to sit face to face with your baby. Copy one sound they make, wait for their response, and then add a short word. Even a few seconds of this back-and-forth can be a joyful connection.
You might enjoy noticing which sounds your baby plays with most during the day, but there's no need to turn it into a scorecard. A warm response when your baby tries to communicate is more valuable than perfectly formed syllables.
When to seek support
Some signs need emergency help; other concerns can be discussed with your child’s healthcare team.
- Rarely responds to sounds or never turns when their name is called
- Very little babbling or variety of sounds as 9 months approaches
- Loss of sounds or communication skills they previously used
- Persistent concerns across several areas of social interaction or communication
Sources used for this guide
- NHS — Help your baby learn to talk
- NHS — Baby moves: crawling and movement development
- Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust — Speech and language development: birth to 12 months
English editorial review:
The English text and regional guidance have been checked editorially. This is not an individual clinical assessment.
Luluna provides general parenting information. It does not diagnose conditions or replace your child’s healthcare professional.
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