Which milestone is typically observed around 12 months of age?

Which milestone is typically observed around 12 months of age?

• A. First words spoken, such as 'mama' or 'bye bye'
• B. First two-word sentences
• C. Understands grammatical relationships but cannot express them
• D. Uses plural and possessive

Answer: (A)

Around 12 months, many children start to use their first real words with clear intent. This marks a shift from babbling to purposeful vocal communication. These first words are usually simple, meaningful referents for familiar people or objects, like “mama” or “bye-bye.” It’s common for them to accompany gestures, and repetition helps solidify that the word refers to a specific person or thing. Two-word combinations come a bit later, typically around 18 to 24 months, as vocabulary grows and children start pairing words to express more complex ideas. Understanding grammar and using plural or possessive forms also develop later, usually around ages two to three, after expressive language begins to take shape.

Around 12 months, many children start to use their first real words with clear intent. This marks a shift from babbling to purposeful vocal communication. These first words are usually simple, meaningful referents for familiar people or objects, like “mama” or “bye-bye.” It’s common for them to accompany gestures, and repetition helps solidify that the word refers to a specific person or thing.

Two-word combinations come a bit later, typically around 18 to 24 months, as vocabulary grows and children start pairing words to express more complex ideas. Understanding grammar and using plural or possessive forms also develop later, usually around ages two to three, after expressive language begins to take shape.