Canonical babbling typically emerges around 6–10 months and first words around 12 months. Which statement correctly reflects these ages?

• A. Canonical babbling around 6–10 months; first words around 12 months
• B. Canonical around 12–15 months; first words around 18 months
• C. Canonical around 3–6 months; first words around 8–9 months
• D. Canonical around 9–12 months; first words around 15 months

Answer: (A)

Canonical babbling typically starts around 6–10 months, when infants begin producing repeated syllables with clear consonant–vowel structure, like “ba-ba” or “da-da.” This marks the shift from earlier vowel-rich sounds to true syllabic production. First words usually appear around 12 months, when a child uses a recognizable word with a stable, communicative meaning. The statement that pairs canonical babbling in the 6–10 month range with first words around 12 months aligns with standard developmental timelines. Other options imply later onset for babbling or earlier first words, which don’t fit the typical pattern, or place canonical babbling earlier than expected, which also isn’t consistent with observed development.