Our infant (about 9 months) does not always respond when we call his name. We are scared (and will bring it up at his next doctor’s appointment).
I am curious about other people’s experiences with when their baby started reacting to a name. When did it start, and how did it progress?
Even though he is over seven months old, I don’t think he understands the differences between his name and the other terms we occasionally use to refer to him, such “poopie pants,” “Mr. Cuddles,” “screamy dude,” and so on (these are obviously loose translations from our home tongue). He appears to react a little more when we call him something like duuuuuude. Haha.
It’s understandable to be concerned, but variations in when babies start responding to their names are quite common. Many parents report that their infants begin to consistently respond to their names between 6 and 9 months old, though some might take a bit longer. Factors like the baby’s temperament, the amount of interaction and name use, and general developmental differences can all play a role. In some cases, not responding might just mean the baby is distracted or focused on something else. Sharing your concerns with your pediatrician is a good step, as they can assess your baby’s overall development and rule out any potential issues like hearing problems or developmental delays. It’s always reassuring to compare notes with other parents, and often, you’ll find a wide range of experiences and timelines.
It wasn’t until he was over eighteen months old that my boy responded to his name, and even then, not very often. At 2.5 years old, he is fully developing normally.
Don’t worry if your baby doesn’t know their name by 4 months! Most babies recognize their names around 7 to 9 months. You’ll know when it happens because they’ll look at you or make sounds when you say their name.