Babies all over the world typically begin saying their firsts words around 12 months. What a huge milestone it is for you and your baby. Today, I’m sharing 5 ways you can help your baby learn to say your name! And best way to teach your little one is through hands-on interactions and play.

The earliest developing sounds for babies include p, b, m, and w and typically you hear your baby’s first words include these sounds. One of the most common first words include, mama! First words do not need to be pronounced perfectly. Often, babies are heard using word approximations, or saying part of a word. For a long while my niece used to say, “ma” for “mama” and it totally counted as a word! Why? Because she said, “ma,”

1. Intentionally. She looked in her mama’s direction when saying, “ma.”
2. Consistently. She was purposeful! Every time she looked in her mama’s direction or wanted her mama she would say, “ma.” And,
3. Independently. Without prompting, she would call her mama and would say, “ma.”

If you’re baby isn’t saying “mama” yet you can give these games a try!

1. Peek-A-Boo Mama

Hide under a blanket and say, “where’s mama?” pause for ~3-5 seconds and pop out enthusiastically and say, “Mama! here I am, Mama!” as you pat your chest. Repeat again and again!

2. Hide & Seek Mama

Hide behind a door or leave the room and say, “Bye, bye, Mama!” as you wave. Help your child call for you and say, “Mama? Where’s Mama? Maaama! Maaama!” pause for ~3-5 seconds and pop out enthusiastically saying, “Mama! here I am, Mama!” as you pat your chest. Repeat again and again!

3. Photo Album Mama

Print out photos of yourself/family or look at them on your phone with your baby. Every time you see yourself in a picture, point to the picture and back at yourself enthusiastically saying, “Mama! That’s me! Mama!”

4. Mirror Mama

Every time you walk past a mirror in the house or when you’re out with your baby, stop, say hello and give yourselves a wave! You can say, “Hi Mama!” as you look in the mirror, wave and point to yourself!

5. Feel Mmmama

Give your baby many opportunities to see and hear you say, “mama” while you’re face to face. Bring their attention and hands to your lips and help them feel the buzz as you emphasize, “Mmmm” in “mama!” Repeat again and again!

One Final Note:

Before babies begin to use a word, they need to hear them again and again and again. Why? Because they first need to learn to understand what the word means. The more you repeat your name and pair it with a gesture, the sooner your baby will begin making the connection that “mama” is you! And before you know it your baby will be saying, “ma!” more times than you can count!

PS. These tips also work if you’re helping your baby learn their own name, dada/papi’s name, a grandparents name or any other family or friend!