Baby Not Making Vowel Sounds
Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Content reviewed against published CDC, AAP, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Speech and communication milestones vary widely, and worries about baby not making vowel sounds, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Most babies begin making vowel sounds - those lovely "oooh," "aaah," and "eee" sounds - around 2 to 3 months of age. This early cooing is one of the first steps in language development. Some babies are naturally quieter than others, but if your baby isn't making any vowel sounds by 4 months, it's worth checking in with your pediatrician to make sure hearing and development are on track.
Key takeaways
- Most babies begin making vowel sounds - those lovely "oooh," "aaah," and "eee" sounds - around 2 to 3 months of age. This early cooing is one of the first steps in language development. Some babies are naturally quieter than others, but if your baby isn't making any vowel sounds by 4 months, it's worth checking in with your pediatrician to make sure hearing and development are on track.
- Usually normal when: Your baby is under 3 months and makes occasional sounds like grunts, squeaks, or sighs but no clear vowel sounds yet - cooing is just about to begin.
- Call your doctor if: Your baby is 6 months or older and makes no purposeful vocalizations at all - not even vowel sounds, grunts, or squeals.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to CDC, AAP, NIH guidelines, most babies begin making vowel sounds - those lovely "oooh," "aaah," and "eee" sounds - around 2 to 3 months of age. This early cooing is one of the first steps in language development. Some babies are naturally quieter than others, but if your baby isn't making any vowel sounds by 4 months, it's worth checking in with your pediatrician to make sure hearing and development are on track. At 0-2 months, in the first two months, babies communicate mainly through crying and reflexive sounds like grunts, squeaks, and sighs. Cooing and vowel sounds haven't started yet, and that's completely normal. Your newborn is taking in the world and learning the rhythm of your voice. Talking and singing to your baby now lays the groundwork for their first vowel sounds. It is generally considered normal when your baby is under 3 months and makes occasional sounds like grunts, squeaks, or sighs but no clear vowel sounds yet - cooing is just about to begin. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby is 6 months or older and makes no purposeful vocalizations at all - not even vowel sounds, grunts, or squeals.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-2 months
In the first two months, babies communicate mainly through crying and reflexive sounds like grunts, squeaks, and sighs. Cooing and vowel sounds haven't started yet, and that's completely normal. Your newborn is taking in the world and learning the rhythm of your voice. Talking and singing to your baby now lays the groundwork for their first vowel sounds.
2-4 months
This is when most babies begin cooing - making open, rounded vowel sounds like "ooo," "aaa," and "eee." These sounds often emerge during face-to-face interaction and are your baby's first attempts at "conversation." If your baby is 3-4 months old and making some sounds (even if they're not classic coos), they're likely on track. Some babies coo quietly or only in certain settings.
4-6 months
By 4 to 6 months, cooing should be well established and your baby may be adding new sounds - squealing, growling, blowing raspberries. If your baby still isn't making any vowel-like sounds by 4-5 months, talk to your pediatrician. A hearing screening is a good first step, since babies need to hear sounds to learn to produce them.
6+ months
After 6 months, babies should be moving from cooing into babbling - adding consonant sounds to their vowels ("bababa," "mamama"). If your baby is over 6 months and still isn't making vowel sounds or any purposeful vocalizations, a speech and hearing evaluation is recommended. Early identification of any issues gives your baby the best start.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed baby not making vowel sounds and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby is 4 months old (corrected for prematurity) and has not made any vowel-like sounds.
- Mention if your baby makes sounds but they're all the same monotone quality with no variation in pitch or sound type.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby is under 3 months and makes occasional sounds like grunts, squeaks, or sighs but no clear vowel sounds yet - cooing is just about to begin.
- Your baby coos sometimes but not constantly - some babies are quieter and vocalize mainly during interactive play.
- Your baby makes sounds mostly when they're content and happy, and is quiet when tired or overstimulated.
- Your baby was premature - adjust for their corrected age when tracking vocalization milestones.
- Your baby is 4 months old (corrected for prematurity) and has not made any vowel-like sounds.
- Your baby makes sounds but they're all the same monotone quality with no variation in pitch or sound type.
- Your baby seems disinterested in voices and doesn't try to "talk back" when you speak to them.
- Your baby is 6 months or older and makes no purposeful vocalizations at all - not even vowel sounds, grunts, or squeals.
- Your baby was making vowel sounds and has completely stopped vocalizing - loss of any communication skill warrants immediate evaluation.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice baby not making vowel sounds — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby is under 3 months and makes occasional sounds like grunts, squeaks, or sighs but no clear vowel sounds yet - cooing is just about to begin — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-2 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Talk, read, and sing to your baby frequently. Narrate daily activities to build language exposure.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby is 6 months or older and makes no purposeful vocalizations at all - not even vowel sounds, grunts, or squeals.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is baby not making vowel sounds normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby not making vowel sounds?
When is baby not making vowel sounds normal?
What causes baby not making vowel sounds?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby not making vowel sounds?
Is baby not making vowel sounds normal at 0-2 months?
Is baby not making vowel sounds normal at 2-4 months?
Should I go to the ER for baby not making vowel sounds?
Does baby not making vowel sounds go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Not Making Vowel Sounds.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed baby not making vowel sounds and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby is 4 months old (corrected for prematurity) and has not made any vowel-like sounds.
- Mention if your baby makes sounds but they're all the same monotone quality with no variation in pitch or sound type.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your baby is 4 months old (corrected for prematurity) and has not made any vowel-like sounds.
- Your baby makes sounds but they're all the same monotone quality with no variation in pitch or sound type.
- Your baby seems disinterested in voices and doesn't try to "talk back" when you speak to them.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby is 6 months or older and makes no purposeful vocalizations at all - not even vowel sounds, grunts, or squeals.
- Your baby was making vowel sounds and has completely stopped vocalizing - loss of any communication skill warrants immediate evaluation.
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of baby not making vowel sounds are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby is 6 months or older and makes no purposeful vocalizations at all - not even vowel sounds, grunts, or squeals.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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