6 to 8 months

An infant's speech sounds are beginning to show timing regularities that make it sound similar to adult speech. Canonical babbling includes "both consonant-like units and FRNs (vowels) in a timing relationship that conforms to mature natural language restrictions" (Oller, 1980, p. 98). Canonical babbling begins between 7 and 8 months of age in typically developing infants.

Babbling onset is rather sudden. Many parents remark that their infants suddenly sound like they have begun to produce words. Babbling syllables contain rhythmical sequences of alternating stop consonants and vowels. Typical examples of babbling are "mamama" and "babababa." Sound exploration, using raspberries also continues to occur.

Clip 1. While playing with a set of keys the infant produces reduplicated babbling.

Clip 2. The infant begins by producing another example of reduplicated babbling followed by squeals and a long vowel.

Clip 3. The infant produces more examples of reduplicated babbling.