First Speech Sounds by Age: A Parent’s Guide

A child’s first speech sounds are the foundation for words, sentences, and clear communication. While every child develops at their own pace, speech therapists look for predictable sound patterns during the early years.

This hub page introduces early speech sounds by age and links to in-depth guides for each sound. Use it to understand what to expect and where to find support if concerns arise.

What Are “First Speech Sounds”?

First speech sounds are the earliest consonants children use during babbling and early words. These sounds are easier to produce because they:

• Use simple mouth movements
• Are easy to see and feel
• Occur naturally during play and routines

They support early vocabulary, requests, and social interaction.

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First Speech Sounds: Birth to 12 Months

During the first year, babies explore sound through cooing and babbling. These sounds are not words yet, but they are essential for speech development.

Common Early Sounds

• /m/
• /b/
• /p/
• /n/
• /d/
• /h/

These sounds often appear in repetitive babbling like “mamama” or “bababa.”

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First Speech Sounds: 12 to 18 Months

This stage marks the transition from babbling to meaningful words. Sounds begin to carry intent and are paired with gestures and eye contact.

Common Sounds at This Age

• /m/ (mama, more)
• /b/ (ball, bye)
• /p/ (pop)
• /d/ (dada)
• /n/ (no)
• /h/ (hi)

Speech may sound unclear, but communication is increasing.

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First Speech Sounds: 18 to 24 Months

Vocabulary growth accelerates during this period. Children begin using sounds consistently to label, request, and comment.

Common Sounds at This Age

• /m/
• /b/
• /p/
• /d/
• /n/
• /t/
• /h/
• /w/

Speech is usually understood by familiar listeners, even if not perfectly clear.

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First Speech Sounds: 2 to 3 Years

Speech becomes more recognizable, and children begin combining words regularly. Sound production continues to refine.

Common Sounds at This Age

• /m/
• /b/
• /p/
• /d/
• /n/
• /t/
• /h/
• /w/
• /k/
• /g/

Back sounds like /k/ and /g/ may still be emerging and are often inconsistent.

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Sounds That Develop Later

Some sounds are not expected in the toddler years and typically develop after age four:

• /s/
• /r/
• /l/
• /th/
• /ch/
• /sh/

Difficulty with these sounds early on does not usually indicate a speech disorder.

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Early support helps strengthen both speech clarity and language growth.

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When to Consider Speech Therapy

Every child’s speech journey is unique. Some children begin using sounds and words early, while others take a little more time. Needing support does not mean a child is behind or that something is wrong. It simply means they may benefit from extra guidance during a critical stage of communication growth.

Speech therapy may be helpful if a child uses very few sounds, struggles to make themselves understood, or becomes frustrated when trying to communicate. By around 18 to 24 months, many children are experimenting with a variety of early speech sounds and beginning to use words more intentionally. If progress feels slow or uneven, a speech-language evaluation can provide clarity and peace of mind.

Speech therapy for young children is gentle, play-based, and family-centered. It focuses on strengthening communication in natural, everyday moments. Early support often boosts confidence, reduces frustration, and helps children find their voice in a positive, encouraging way.