When does cooing (vowel sounds) usually begin in infants?

Cooing typically begins around 2 to 3 months of age in infants. At this stage of development, babies start to produce vowel-like sounds, which are essential for their early communication skills. These cooing sounds are usually soft and elongated, indicating that the infant is beginning to experiment with their vocalizations. This is a significant milestone as it reflects not only physical development in the ability to control the vocal cords but also cognitive development, as infants start to engage in social interactions through sound.

In contrast, earlier stages, like 0 to 1 month, are characterized by reflexive sounds such as crying and basic grunting, which do not involve purposeful vocalization. By 4 to 5 months, infants progress to babbling, combining consonants and vowels, which builds on the foundational cooing phase. By 6 months, their communication becomes more varied and complex, incorporating more sounds and expressions. Cooing serves as a precursor to more advanced language development, making the 2 to 3-month period a critical time for infants to start expressing themselves vocally.