At what age do infants start making vowel sounds (cooing)?

Infants typically begin to produce vowel sounds, often referred to as "cooing," between the ages of 2 to 3 months. During this developmental stage, babies start to experiment with their vocal cords and vocalize happy, soft sounds often represented by "oo" and "ah." This early form of communication is not only a sign of normal development but also serves as a crucial first step in language acquisition, setting the foundation for later speech and social interactions.

At around this age, cooing reflects an infant's growing ability to control their vocalization, which is stimulated by increased social interactions with caregivers. The engaging sounds may elicit responses from adults, encouraging more complex vocalizations as the infant grows. This developmental milestone aligns with the cognitive and social-emotional growth typical of 2 to 3-month-old infants who are becoming more aware of their surroundings.