Babies' first words are often seen as a important and precious moment in their development, marking the beginning of their journey into verbal communication. For instance, when the baby looks at his or her parent and says "mama" for the first time, it brightens up the parent's face with joy but it is a meaningful connection in their bond that is growing. For parents, these are some sources of pride and joy. But how do you determine whether your child's speech and language are progressing?

Understanding the communication milestones will help monitor a child's development and spot potential issues before they become more serious. The milestones serve as benchmarks to guide health care providers on whether a child needs further assistance.

Importance of Communication Development in Early Years

The first five years of a child's life are the time of massive growth and brain development at an incredible speed. All domains of development find their roots within this period, including communication. From the day they were born, babies start crying to communicate, and within weeks or months, they begin to babble, imitate sounds, and eventually words. Communication is not only important to express needs but also for understanding the world and building relationships. It is an important tool that supports cognitive, emotional, and social development.

Speech Milestones by Age

Babies learn communication skills at their own pace. General milestones can, however serve as a guideline for typical development. Let's go through these milestones by age:

Newborn (0-3 Months)

At this point, the babies communicate mostly through crying. They give cues as to their needs by responding with actions like smacking the lips when hungry or arching the back when they feel overstimulated. At the end of three months, you may also observe:

• Smiles in response to your appearance.
• Cooing sounds.
• Quiets or smiles when spoken to.
• Your voice.
• Different cries for specific needs.

Upto 6 Months

By six months, babies start experimenting with sounds and use their voice to play. Major developments include:

• Making gurgling sounds during play.
• Babbling with different sounds.
• Vocalizing likes and dislikes.
• Responding to the change in tone of voice.
• Turning eyes toward sounds.
• Showing interest in music and sound-making toys.

Till 12 Months

By the first birthday, there are some significant communication milestones that have been achieved:

• Trying to imitate speech sounds.
• Speaking basic words like "mama," "dada," or "uh-oh."
• Responding to simple commands, such as "Come here."
• Recognizing common items by name, like "shoe."
• Turning toward sounds and voices.

Upto 18 Months

In this stage, children learn to understand and use words in a consistent manner. Some of the important milestones are:

• Knows the names of people, objects, and body parts.
• Responds to simple commands with gestures.
• The child says up to 10 words.

End of 24 Months

By two years of age, children usually have more developed communication skills:

• Using simple sentences, like "more milk."
• Asking one- to two-word questions, such as "Go bye-bye?"
• Following simple directions and answering simple questions.
• Saying 50 or more words.
• Being understood by family members at least half the time.

Ways Parents Can Support Development

Parents can be very supportive in developing the communication skills of their child. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Pay Attention to Hearing: Ensure your child responds to sounds and voices. Notice if they react to noise or look at you when spoken to. If you suspect hearing issues, consult your pediatrician promptly.

2. Engage in Conversation: Respond to your baby’s coos and babbles. Talk to them frequently about daily activities, like “Mommy is making breakfast,” or “We’re going to the park.”

3. Imitation Training: Teach your baby to imitate actions and gestures of others, such as clapping, waving, or peek-a-boo. These activities encourage her to understand turn-taking and even nonverbal communication.

4. Animals Sound: Learning time must be fun. Train your baby to imitate an animal's sound, "A cow says 'moo.'". This encourages sound production along with word association.

5. Read and Sing Together: Reading stories and singing songs expose your child to language patterns and rhythm. Make it a daily habit to promote vocabulary growth.

6. Use Your Native Language: Speak to your child in the language you’re most comfortable with. Early exposure to rich language environments helps babies learn effectively.

7. Strengthen Their Attempts: Cheer every time your child tries to speak. Repeat the words and sounds and gently correct as needed. A little "baby talk" is okay but clearly say simple words for them to imitate.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Though every child develops at his own rate, there are some delays that point toward professional intervention. Talk with your child's health care provider if:

- Doesn't turn toward sounds or his name.

- By 12 months, he isn't babbling, and by 18 months, he has not spoken a single word.

- Uses speech in a peculiar manner or shows delayed speech.

Your pediatrician can refer you to some specialist who could be an audiologist or speech-language pathologist for more extensive testing. In the case of a bilingual child, he will also be evaluated by a bilingual speech-language pathologist.

Communication milestones form a kind of roadmap in understanding how your baby develops. This means through conversation, play, and learning activities, you could be able to enhance language skills while promoting your child's development. When concerned about delay, consult professional help, as this might make all the difference by having communication skills set up to meet a great future for your child.

Communication Milestones: Birth to 1 Year. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

India's food safety regulator has proposed implementing a restriction on adding sucrose and fructose to foods for babies up to six months old. The move aims to reduce consumption of added sugars during early infancy, which is considered to be a crucial period for growth and development.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has published a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020. The proposal was published in the Gazette of India on October 16, 2026, and announced by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on October 17.

Under the proposed amendment, “sucrose and fructose shall not be added in the products intended for infants up to the age of 6 months”. The FSSAI has kept the proposal open, inviting objections and suggestions within 60 days of the Gazette copies being made available.

FSSAI's Proposal For Baby Foods

Sucrose is the most common sugar found in many baby foods, while fructose is a naturally occurring sugar found in fruits and some other foods. Both can also be used as ingredients in certain manufactured foods products.

Under the existing infant nutrition regulations, lactose and glucose polymers are the preferred carbohydrate sources. Sucrose and fructose can be added when carbohydrate sources need to be added, subject to prescribed limits.

The proposed amendment would restrict that allowance for baby foods for infants up to six months. The proposal concerns the addition of these sugars to regulated infant nutrition products.

Also read: The Silent Struggle Of Raising A Child With Mental Health Challenges: How Parents Can Cope With Stigma

Is Added Sugar A Concern In Early Infancy?

The first six months of life are important for an infant's physical growth and development. During this period, babies need nutrition that meets the requirements needed for growth, rather than ingredients added simply to increase sweetness.

FSSAI says the proposed restriction aims to ensure that infant nutrition products meet these needs without unnecessary additions of sucrose and fructose. The move is also part of a measure towards wider public health efforts to curb dietary risk factors like childhood obesity and other metabolic health problems.

The proposal, therefore, focuses on reducing unnecessary added sugars and strengthening nutritional standards for this age group.

Also read: Childhood Fitness Linked To Lower Risk Of Depression In Adulthood: 30-Year Study

Could This Improve Infant Health?

If the amendment is finalised, manufacturers will need to formulate baby food products for babies up to six months in accordance with the new restriction. The benefits of this move include:

• Reducing unnecessary added sugars: Infant nutrition products would no longer be permitted to contain added sucrose or fructose for this age group under the proposed rule.
• Supporting age-appropriate nutrition: Manufacturers would need to ensure their formulations meet infants' nutritional requirements without relying on these sugars.
• Strengthening preventive nutrition: The proposal forms part of wider efforts to promote healthier feeding practices from the earliest stages of life.

The actual health impact will depend on how the rules are implemented and the nutritional composition of the products affected.

The proposed restriction also supports established public health recommendations that promote exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life.

For parents who cannot breastfeed or need an alternative for medical or other reasons, an appropriate infant formula can help meet a baby's nutritional needs. Parents should consult a qualified healthcare professional about feeding choices rather than preparing homemade substitutes.

When a child struggles with mental health issues, parents may tend to find themselves dealing with more than concern about their child's well-being.

Judgement from people around them, including relatives, friends, neighbours and other parents can add guilt and shame to an already challenging experience. Some families may even withdraw socially to avoid uncomfortable questions.

A recent study promoted by News-Medical found that parents may feel judged when they feel they are not able to live up to the definition of a "good parent." The researchers interviewed 24 parents whose children had mental health challenges.

The belief that a child's behavioural difficulties reflect poor parenting makes it harder for families to seek help. Parents may be told to discipline their child more strictly or change their parenting style, even when the child needs special care.

“Stigma often hurts parents as much as the condition hurts the child,” says Dr. Anupam Madaan, Attending Consultant Psychiatrist at Fortis, Jalandhar told HealthandMe.

But parents do not have to navigate this on their own. Understanding mental health conditions, seeking timely treatment and creating a supportive home environment can help children cope with their challenges without carrying the burden of stigma.

Why Do Parents Feel Judged?

Also read: GLP-1 Drugs May Offer Mental Health Benefits, Reduce Schizophrenia Relapses: Lancet Study

"Mental health problems are still widely misunderstood," Dr. Shiv Prasad, MD Psychiatry, Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at Lady Hardinge Medical College and Smt. Sucheta Kriplani Hospital told HealthandMe.

Many people assume that a child's emotional or behavioural difficulties result from poor parenting, a lack of discipline or an inadequate upbringing.

He said, "There is also a lack of awareness about mental health conditions. While people are generally more comfortable discussing physical illnesses, they may hesitate to talk about depression, anxiety, ADHD, or other mental health concerns. As a result, parents may feel ashamed, isolated, or afraid of what others will say. Many also worry about their child’s future and how society will treat them."

In India, where family reputation and social expectations often matter, parents may worry about being blamed by relatives, neighbours or their child's school. This can lead to guilt and hesitation in seeking professional help.

“Children's mental health conditions come from a mix of genetics, brain development, stress and life events. Ordinary parenting choices do not cause them,” Dr. Madaan explains.

He speaks about the National Mental Health Survey, which reported a prevalence of about 7.3% among adolescents aged 13 to 17 across 12 states. A 2026 review of studies in India also identified stigma as a major barrier to adolescents seeking mental health care.

How Can Parents Protect Their Child From Stigma?

Also read: Attention Deficit May Be The Wrong Way To Understand ADHD, Says US Psychiatrist

Parents cannot control what others say, but they can decide how they respond and what their child hears at home.

Dr. Prasad advises parents to focus on their child's needs instead of worrying about how the family is perceived. Seeking professional help should be treated as a responsible step, not a source of shame.

He said, "Speak openly with your child, reassure them that their condition is not their fault, and never label or compare them with others. Set clear boundaries with people who make insensitive comments, and share personal information only with those you trust. Seek professional help when needed and maintain a supportive home environment."

The language used at home matters, too. If children repeatedly hear that they are a problem, a burden or a source of embarrassment, they may begin to believe it themselves.

Instead, parents should reassure them that they are loved and valued, and that their mental health difficulties do not define who they are.

Dr. Madaan recommends explaining the condition early and making it clear that the child is not at fault. This can help prevent internalised stigma, in which children begin to see their illness as a personal weakness. He said, "They may then be less likely to hide their symptoms or avoid seeking help."

Parents should also decide carefully who needs to know about the diagnosis. Dr. Madaan recommends informing the child's class teacher and family doctor early so they can provide appropriate support. He said, "Relatives who are told should respect the child's privacy and avoid discussing the diagnosis in front of the child or at social gatherings."

Recognising When A Child Needs Professional Help

Also read: Self-Diagnosis Could Go Wrong: Are We Overusing The Words Anxiety, Trauma and ADHD?

Stigma can delay treatment, making it important for parents to recognise changes in their child's behaviour and emotional well-being.

Dr. Madaan advises seeking an assessment when certain symptoms show.

He said, "Sadness lasting beyond two weeks, a sudden drop in school performance, withdrawal from friends, or changes in sleep and appetite call for a visit to a child psychiatrist."

A child psychiatrist may use screening tools like the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for children or the PHQ-A for teenagers.

Parents should also follow the recommended treatment plan, attend therapy sessions and give prescribed medication as directed. They should consult the psychiatrist before stopping medication, even if the child appears to be doing better.

If The Child Is Being Bullied

For a child already dealing with mental health challenges, bullying can add another layer of psychological toll. Home should be a place where they feel heard, believed and protected.

“Parents should encourage open conversations and listen without immediately questioning, blaming, or dismissing the child’s experience,” says Dr. Prasad.

Responses such as “Why don’t you just ignore them?” or “You must have done something to provoke them” can leave children feeling that they have to manage the problem alone.

Instead, parents can say, “I am glad you told me. This is not your fault, and we will work through it together.”

If bullying occurs at school, parents should document incidents and speak to teachers or school authorities. Threats, physical harm and online harassment should be addressed promptly.

Parents can also encourage healthy friendships and activities that help children recognise their strengths. If bullying begins affecting their sleep, mood, school attendance or self-esteem, professional help could be necessary.

Parents Need Support Too

Also read: GLP-1 Drugs May Offer Mental Health Benefits, Reduce Schizophrenia Relapses: Lancet Study

Caring for a child with mental health challenges can leave parents exhausted. The pressure to manage treatment, family responsibilities and other people's opinions can take a toll on their own mental and emotional well-being.

Dr. Madaan said, "Caregiver burnout, a state of exhaustion that can bring low mood and anxiety, is common. Regular meals with fruit, vegetables and protein, seven hours of sleep and a daily walk keep energy steady. A parent support group or a counsellor offers a safe place to talk."

Talking to a counsellor, joining a parent-support group or confiding in family members can also provide a space to talk without fear of judgement. Experts say that parents do not need to manage every aspect of their child's care alone. Looking after their own well-being can help them remain better equipped to support their child.

For Dr. Prasad, tackling stigma begins with changing how families and communities talk about mental health.

“We should avoid labelling children as ‘abnormal,’ ‘weak,’ or ‘problematic.’ Instead, we should recognise that every child has different needs and may require different kinds of support,” he says.

Oscar-winning actress Hilary Swank has announced that she is expecting her third child with her husband Philip Schneider, at the age of 52.

Swank was 48 when she gave birth to twins, daughter Aya and son Ohm, in April 2023.

Sharing a video on Instagram of her husband and their 3-year-old twins dancing in the dark with neon glow sticks taped to their clothes, Swank wrote, “A lot of people have been asking what project I’m doing next; this one releases in December.”

The video also revealed Swank’s growing belly, with a tiny baby shape outlined in glow sticks.

Hilary Swank’s Journey To Motherhood

Read: RSV Warning: Welsh Mum Urges Pregnant Women To Get Vaccine After Baby Nearly Dies

Swank and entrepreneur Philip Schneider married in August 2018 after dating for a year and a half. They welcomed their twins in April 2023, when the actress was 48.

“It wasn't easy. But boy (and girl!) was it worth it,” Swank wrote on Instagram at the time, alongside a photo of herself holding the newborns.

Swank has also spoken about embracing the physical and personal changes that come with motherhood.

“For me, it’s not about bouncing back to our pre-baby bodies but rather bouncing forward into our new bodies and selves,” she told Women’s Health last year.

What To Know About Pregnancy After 50

Also read: High BP in Pregnancy Linked to 42,000 Maternal Deaths, 500,000+ Stillbirths, Newborn Deaths: WHO

Pregnancy at age 35 or older is medically referred to as “advanced maternal age,” according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Women who become pregnant later in life face increased risks of complications, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, miscarriage and preterm birth.

As maternal age increases, doctors may recommend closer monitoring during pregnancy. This can include screening for chromosomal abnormalities, additional ultrasounds and more frequent prenatal visits and testing as the pregnancy progresses.

“Pregnancy in the 50s is possible, but it requires careful medical supervision. With advancing maternal age, the risks of miscarriage, chromosomal abnormalities, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, preterm birth and stillbirth increase,” Dr. Tripti Raheja, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, told HealthandMe.

Dr Prampreet Kaur Ghuman, Senior Consultant- Obestriction and Gynecologist at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Mohali added late motherhood requires careful consideration of both maternal and foetal health.

“By this age, most women have reached menopause, making natural conception extremely unlikely”.

She noted most pregnancies achieved at this stage often involve assisted reproductive technology (ART), using donor eggs from younger women or embryos frozen earlier in life. “While younger donor eggs can significantly reduce the risk of age-related chromosomal abnormalities, they do not reverse the ageing of the mother’s body,” she told HealthandMe.

Planning A Pregnancy After 50

Read More: Rare Pregnancy Infections Linked To 3-Fold Higher Autism Risk: What Is TORCH?

The experts advised women planning a pregnancy to consult an obstetrician and fertility specialist for a preconception assessment. This should include an evaluation of existing health conditions and available fertility options.

"For women contemplating pregnancy later in life, planning should begin with a detailed evaluation of cardiovascular health, blood pressure, blood sugar, existing medical conditions and overall fitness for pregnancy," Dr Prampreet said.

It is equally important to discuss the potential risks, the likelihood of complications and the demands of parenting over the long term.

Taking folic acid as advised, maintaining a balanced diet, exercising appropriately, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and reviewing medications with a doctor are important steps.

Once pregnant, early prenatal care, recommended genetic screening and regular medical monitoring can help identify complications and support better outcomes.