Hearing & Understanding

0-3 Months

• Startles to loud sounds
• Quiets or smiles (6 wks) when spoken to
• Seems to recognize your voice and quiets if crying
• Increases or decreases sucking behavior in response to sound 

4-6 Months

• Moves eyes in direction of sounds
• Responds to changes in tone of voice
• Notices toys that make noise
• Pays attention to music
• Begins to reach for & play with toys 

7-12 Months

• Enjoys Peek-a-boo type games
• Listens when spoken to
• Recognizes words for common items
• Begins to respond to requests like “come here” and “want more?”

Talking

0-3 Months

• Makes pleasure sounds (cooing, gooing)
• Has different cries for different needs
• Begins to smile around 6 weeks 

4-6 Months

• Coo’s reciprocally, blows bubbles, and makes “raspberry” sounds
• Laughs, squeals, imitates sounds
• Initiates by vocalizing and babbling to others 

7-12 Months

• Babbles using several sounds (bababa, dadada, ada ma ba)
• Uses speech or non-crying sounds to get attention
• Uses gestures to communicate (waving,holding up arms)
• Imitates speech sounds
• Has 1-2 words by 12 mos