Precursory Skills

• As soon as your baby is born, voice development begins. Crying, the most basic form of vocalization, is not always indicative of what your baby wants, but it is a vital step in voice development. Crying is not only an outlet for expression in your newborn, it also helps to develop the strength of his vocal cords. Cooing and babbling may begin when your baby is about 8 weeks old, and this is his first conscious attempt at expressing or vocalizing his needs. As babies reach 6 to 8 months, babbling begins to sounds more like language as they attempt to imitate the sounds and voices they hear around them to develop their own voice.
  
  

Early Toddler Voice Development

• By about 1 year, you can expect to hear your young toddler say his first word. Many times these first words are simple sounds or words such as "mama" or "dada." You can also expect to hear a few other simple words and sounds, such as "uh-oh," or the names of commonly used items. At this age, toddlers are beginning to develop both their voice and language skills, which make it possible to form sentences and eventually express their thoughts, demands and emotions. At this early stage of talking, your toddler's speaking skills are not quite ready for full sentences, but you are sure to hear lots of babbling attempts.
  
  

Forming Sentences and More

• As your toddler reaches 18 months, you are likely to hear several stand-alone words and even some two-word phrases such as "no more" or "all done." This is a major step in voice development for toddlers, as your baby is learning how form sentences and express thoughts. It is important to remember that at this stage, your baby can understand much more than she can express herself. As she nears the 2-year mark, sentences begin to get longer, up to four words strung together, and the two of you are able to have real conversations.
  
  

Considerations

• It is important to keep in mind that not all babies begin speaking at the same age, and voice development in toddlers varies widely. Some babies may begin speaking and say their first word as early at 8 or 9 months, whereas others may not achieve this milestone until closer to 2 years old. The best way to encourage voice development in your toddler is to talk to him. You can narrate your daily activities, name objects as your encounter them and have mock conversations with your toddler. All of these activities help your baby to develop his voice and language skills.