If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Does that count as a word?” — you’re not alone.
Parents often ask me this when their baby says something like “woof” while pointing at the dog, or “ba” while reaching for a bottle. It’s exciting… but also a little confusing.
And right alongside that question is another big one: when do babies say their first word?
You may have heard that babies should say their first word around their first birthday, and have about 10 words by 18 months. But as I always remind parents — babies don’t read milestone charts. They develop on their own timeline.
Still, understanding what counts as a word can help you:
- see your child’s progress more clearly
- feel reassured when things are on track
- and know when it might be time to get extra support
So let’s walk through it together.
What Counts as a Baby’s First Word?
As a speech-language pathologist, I look for three simple things. A sound counts as a real word when it is:
- Consistent — your child uses the same sound for the same thing over time
- Intentional — they are clearly trying to communicate something
- Spontaneous — they say it on their own, not just by copying you
And here’s the important part: it does not have to sound perfect.
Learning to talk is a lot like learning a new language. The sounds are new, and little mouths are still figuring out how to move.
That’s where something called word approximations comes in.
What Are Word Approximations?
You might hear your child say:
- “wawa” for water
- “baba” for bottle
- “nana” for banana
These are called word approximations, and yes — they absolutely count as words.
If your child uses that same sound consistently, with meaning, and on their own… it counts.
Do Animal Sounds Count as Words?
This is one parents ask all the time — and the answer is: sometimes.
Counts: Your child sees a cow, points, and says “moo” — they are using that sound as a label.
Doesn’t count yet: You ask “What does a cow say?” and your child responds “moo” — that’s more of a learned response, not a word.
The difference is whether your child is using the sound to communicate something on their own.
What About “Mama” and “Dada”?
These often show up early — but they only count as true words when they are used specifically and intentionally.
Not a word yet: Saying “mamamama” while babbling
Counts: Reaching for mom and saying “mama”
The same goes for names like “dada,” “nana,” or even pet names.
What Does NOT Count as a Word?
Some sounds are important steps toward talking — but don’t count as words just yet. These include:
- Babbling like “bababa” or “gagaga” with no clear meaning
- Repeating a word right after you say it (without using it later on their own)
- Words only said during songs or routines
- A word said once and never again
You might also wonder: does babbling count as talking? Not quite — but it’s a very important step toward talking. Babbling is your child practicing the sounds they’ll use later in real words.
Do Gestures or Sign Language Count as Words?
Yes — they can. If your child:
- signs “more”
- reaches up to be picked up
- pretends to drink from a cup
…and does this consistently and intentionally, those are meaningful communication attempts. We often count these alongside early words because they show your child understands how communication works.
How Many Words Should a Baby Have?
Around 12 months, many babies are just starting to say their first word. By 18 months, we often expect at least 10 words, though many children have more.
If you’re wondering about this stage, you can read more here: My 18-Month-Old Is Not Talking Yet. Should I Be Worried?
A Simple Way to Track Your Baby’s Words
Once you start noticing all the different ways your child communicates, you may be surprised how much they’re already saying.
A simple way to keep track:
- Keep a list on your phone or fridge
- Write down the sound
- Note what it means
- Jot down when and where it was used
If it passes the three-part test (consistent, intentional, spontaneous) — count it.
A Word from Cheryl
If your child is not using any intentional communication — gestures, signs, or sounds — by around 16 months, it’s worth checking in with a speech-language pathologist.
Sometimes children are just on the verge of talking. Other times, they may need a bit of extra support to get started.
One Simple Thing You Can Do Today
Start a running list of your child’s words. Use the free downloadable chart at the top of this page — it’s a small step, but it can give you a much clearer picture of their progress and help you feel more confident about what you’re seeing.
The Bottom Line
The best way to encourage your child’s first words is simple: respond.
When your child gestures, signs, or makes a sound — treat it like communication. If they say “da,” you might respond:
“Oh, you want Dad! Here’s Dad! Yes — Dad!”
You’re showing them that their sounds have meaning — and that’s what helps turn sounds into real words.
Watching your baby learn to talk is one of the most exciting parts of early development. And once you know what to look for, you’ll start to see those first words everywhere.