Checklist
for normal speech and language development in babies from birth - 9 monthsBy 6 weeks, babies should:
- watch faces when people speak
- coo responsively when spoken to face to face
- be soothed by voice or soft music
- quieten or "still" to constant sound e.g. the hoover
- sometimes startle to a sudden loud sound
- show distress or pleasure in response to certain sounds
Between 6 weeks and 6 months most babies are:
- responding to intonation of voice
- recognising familiar people by their voices
- responding to any type of sound or voice
- using varied vocalisations, e.g. squealing, cooing, gurgling
- using their voice to gain attention
- enjoying listening to different sounds e.g. musical toys
- noticing familiar sounds, e.g. of food being prepared
By 7 months :
- responses to sound include turning to locate the source
- the baby attempts single syllables e.g. ba,ga
- and by 9months babies should :
- enjoy using loud tuneful babble
- use strings of repeated syllables, e.g. babababa, gagaga
- vocalise to communicate and to get attention, e.g. shouting not crying
- respond to "no", "bye-bye"
Refer to the Freeman for a hearing test if the baby is not progressing in this way, and inform the baby's GP