The Foundations of Language
The Foundations of Language: Supporting Your Child’s Communication from 0–2 Years Old
From your baby’s very first coos to their first words, language development is one of the most exciting milestones of early childhood. The foundations for talking begin long before your child says “mama” or “dada”? Communication starts from birth—and the way parents, caregivers and family interact with little ones in the early years has a lasting impact on how language develops. This blog explores how language is formed and how those around a baby can support it.
How Language Develops in the Brain
Language development is closely linked with early brain development—which is happening at an astonishing rate in the first two years of life. At birth, a baby’s brain contains around 100 billion single neurons, but it’s not the number of brain cells that matters most, it’s how they connect. The connections, that link the brain cells are called synapses. These form rapidly in the first few years of life—especially when your baby is loved, talked to, and responded to. It’s these synapses—that shape learning and communication.
Neural pathways responsible for understanding and producing language are built through repetition, interaction, and experience. When you talk, sing, or respond to your baby, you’re helping to strengthen these pathways—this is often called serve and return interaction. The more a baby hears language in rich, responsive ways, the more their brain prunes and strengthens the pathways needed for communication.
One of the ways I explain brain development to parents I work with is thinking about the brain as a roads connecting the county. Every time you smile, talk, sing, or respond to your baby, it’s like you’re helping their brain build a stronger roads. The more a road is used, the stronger it gets. This is exactly how the brain works—used connections get stronger, and unused ones fade away.
Language develops in two main areas of the brain:
One part helps your child understand words (like when you say their name).
The other part helps them produce words (like saying “mama” or “milk”).
Even before your baby can speak, their brain is busy building connections between these areas. The more they hear words in everyday life—through books, songs, and chats—the more these areas light up and grow. This is why the first two years are often called a “critical window” for language. The brain is growing faster than it ever will again, and it’s soaking in sounds, words, and meanings from everything around it.
Language Development by Age
0–6 months
Babies begin by communicating through crying, eye contact, and facial expressions.
They learn the rhythms of language by listening to your voice.
Around 6 weeks, babies often begin cooing—vowel-like sounds that signal early social communication.
6–12 months
Your baby will start babbling (“ba-ba”, “da-da”), combining sounds with expression.
They understand tone of voice and may recognise their name.
By the end of this stage, they may say a first word or two (though this varies widely).
12–18 months
Vocabulary begins to grow, often starting with familiar people, pets, or objects.
Children may use single words to express whole ideas (e.g., “milk” might mean “I want milk”).
They understand more than they can say, following simple instructions like “get your shoes.”
18–24 months
This is often a language explosion phase.
Your toddler may begin combining two words (“more juice,” “mummy go”).
They’re starting to use language to ask, protest, and express needs or feelings.
What Helps Language Grow?
Responsive interactions
Talking with your baby—not just at them—boosts brain development. When you respond to their sounds, gestures, or words, you teach them that communication is powerful.Talking throughout the day
Describe what you’re doing, name objects, and explain routines. These “language baths” build vocabulary naturally.Repetition and routines
Repeated songs, books, and phrases help babies learn patterns in speech and meaning.Reading together
Reading from birth—even if your baby doesn’t yet understand the words—supports language, attention, and connection.Gestures and sign language
Baby signs or gestures (like waving or pointing) are powerful tools that come before spoken words and support early communication.
When to Seek Support
All children develop at their own pace, but speak to a qualified speech and language therapist, your health visitor or GP if by:
12 months, your baby isn’t babbling with consonant sounds
18 months, they aren’t using any clear words
2 years, they aren’t combining words or seem to understand very little
Early support makes a difference. Trust your instincts.
Final Thoughts
Language development is deeply social—it thrives on love, attention, and responsive communication. You don’t need flashcards or fancy toys. Your baby’s best resource is you. Keep talking, singing, playing, and tuning in. Every conversation you have—even with a baby who can’t yet talk back—is helping to wire their brain for future learning.
References
Shonkoff, J.P., & Phillips, D.A. (Eds.). (2000). From Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Childhood Development. National Academy Press.
Kuhl, P.K. (2010). Brain mechanisms in early language acquisition. Neuron, 67(5), 713–727. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2010.08.038
Zimmerman, F.J., Gilkerson, J., Richards, J.A., et al. (2009). Teaching by listening: The importance of adult-child conversations to language development. Pediatrics, 124(1), 342–349. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2008-2267
Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University (2007). The Science of Early Childhood Development. https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/inbrief-science-of-ecd/
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (2023). Language Development: Speech Milestones from Birth to Age 3. https://www.healthychildren.org
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT). Facts and figures about children’s speech, language, and communication needs. https://www.rcslt.org
Public Health England. (2020). Best Start in Speech, Language and Communication: Guidance to Support Local Commissioners and Service Leads. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/best-start-in-speech-language-and-communication
Nelson, H.D. (2008). Screening for Speech and Language Delay in Preschool Children: Systematic Evidence Review. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US).