Starts to use a sound or sounds consistently to mean the same thing

Your baby's babble has been picking up pace, and they've progressed from duplicating the same babbling sounds to introducing a variety of babbling sounds. They are becoming more connected to their environment, and the art of communication is steadily becoming mastered. Your baby is now able to link some of the variegated babble to objects, people, and routines after hearing many words repeated many times. 

Protowords 

Babies may begin to make consistent sound patterns that serve as words around this age. These are called protowords and are frequently based on adult words. The words are often sounds that are similar to the real word. For example, your baby may say ‘du du’ for their dummy on a regular basis. [1] 

The difference between a protoword and a babble is that the sounds in protowords are shorter, e.g., ‘ba ba.’ Furthermore, each protoword is used consistently to refer to the same object or person. These consistent sounds may still be accompanied by gestures. Using noises and gestures in this way is thought to be an indication that babies understand the relationship between sound and meaning, and so is a step toward the development of true language. [1] 

A social baby 

Now that your baby is beginning to associate familiar items with words, they are becoming more connected to the world. These early days of communication are supporting your baby to develop more sophisticated social exchanges using emotion and vocalisation. [2] 

Your baby is beginning to use their newly developed language and is starting to lead communications with a variety of people. If your baby were to meet another child, they may use their new language to start a ‘conversation.’ This conversation will seemingly have no meaning, however both babies will enjoy the interaction and will respond to each other.  

Having the ability to use protowords is helpful when your baby is trying to predict what is happening. Your baby will use social clues to work out what the next step in their routine may be. They can help out by producing their individual words to let you know that they understand what is next. For example, you might open the fridge and your baby is able to use a protoword to let you know that they expect a mealtime is coming. Around this time, your baby's essential foundations for developing an understanding of others' intentions and producing significant vocalisations have been laid. [3]   

What next? 

Over the next few months these protowords will develop into your baby’s first words. They may be able to copy a few familiar words or make a fabulous attempt at verbalising a favourite word. 

References: 

[1] Sample Gosse, H., & Gotzke, C. (2007). Parent/Caregiver Narrative: Language, 7-9 Months. In L.M. Phillips (Ed.), Handbook of language and literacy development: A Roadmap from 0 - 60 Months. [online], pp. 1 -8. London, ON: Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network. Available at: Handbook of language and literacy development 

[2] Rowland. C.F, Theakston. A.L, Ambridge. B, Twomey. K.E. (2020) Current Perspectives on Child Language Acquisition How children use their environment to learn. John Benjamins BV. Online 

[3] Vihman. M.M. (2014). Phonological Development. The First Two Years, 2nd Edition. Wiley Blackwell