At what age should a child be able to say simple words like “mama” or “dada”?

A child typically begins to say simple words, such as “mama” or “dada,” around the age of 12 months. At this stage, infants have typically developed enough motor and cognitive ability to articulate basic sounds and associate specific terms with their parents or caregivers. This milestone reflects not only their physical ability to produce these sounds but also an important aspect of cognitive development, as they start to make vocalizations that have specific meanings.

Prior to 12 months, while some children may babble or produce sounds that resemble words, they do not yet consistently use them in a meaningful way. By this age, they are also becoming more aware of their environment and starting to comprehend simple language, which enhances their ability to communicate effectively.