Babbling and Sounds at 7–9 Months

The short answer

At 7–9 months, your baby may experiment with more varied sounds, repeating syllables such as “ba-ba-ba” and “ma-ma-ma.” The CDC lists many different sounds, including “mamamama” and “bababababa,” among its 9-month milestones. These sounds do not necessarily mean your baby is intentionally saying “mama” or “dada” yet.

In this guide · 11 sections

Keep in mind

Sounds and repeated syllables may become more varied at 7–9 months; every baby progresses differently.
Saying “ma-ma” or “ba-ba” may initially be sound practice, not naming someone.
Taking turns talking, imitating sounds, songs, and picture books create everyday opportunities to connect.
Limited responses to sounds, little babbling, or loss of acquired communication skills warrant a pediatrician’s advice.

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 recognizable 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?

As your baby approaches 7 months, you may hear them respond to sounds with their own voice and begin stringing consonants together. The American Academy of Pediatrics includes consonant sequences and vocal responses among examples of communication development around 7 months.

At 8 months, your baby's sounds may become longer or combine in new ways. By 9 months, the CDC lists making many different sounds, such as ‘mamamama’ and ‘bababababa,’ as a milestone for most babies. These are not monthly assignments to complete; development is continuous.

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 practicing 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

When your baby looks at you, turns toward your voice, lifts their arms to be picked up, or takes turns vocalizing during play, they're communicating before they have words. The CDC includes looking when their name is called and raising their arms to be picked up among its 9-month milestones.

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 diaper change you might say, ‘Let's put on your clean diaper,’ 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?

Hearing two languages at home, such as English and German, does not by itself cause a language delay. The American Academy of Pediatrics explains that early communication milestones, including smiling, making sounds, and babbling, occur in children growing up with different languages, too.

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 pediatrician. Losing sounds or other communication abilities they previously used also deserves attention without delay.

Passing the newborn hearing screening doesn't rule out a hearing problem developing later. The CDC recommends not delaying an assessment when you have hearing concerns. Rather than drawing a diagnosis from one behavior, hearing and overall development should be considered 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

English editorial review: October 17, 2026

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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