'Don't take it personally': Why babies say ‘dada’ before ‘mama’

It's a phenomenon that can feel disheartening, but this should provide some reassurance.

2 min read

May 30, 2024 - 2:14PM

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If you're a mum scrolling through TikTok, you’ve likely seen the viral videos of babies refusing to say mama despite their mum's best efforts.

One hilarious compilation has amassed over 1.6 million views, showing various mums coaxing their little ones to say "mama," only to be met with a defiant "dada."

Another video with 4 million views captures a mum's simple request on her daughter's first birthday, “Please say ‘mama’,” which was met with the same response.

It's a phenomenon that can feel disheartening, but apparently, there's a fascinating, science-backed reason behind it—a.k.a. no need to take it personally!

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Image: TikTok

The experts weigh in

According to Stephanie Cohen, a speech-language pathologist and author of The I Can Say Mama Book, the tendency for babies to say “dada” first is not a sign of favouritism.

Cohen explains to Today, “It’s often tied to what babies are hearing the most.”

Basically, babies are exposed to the word “dada” frequently because mums tend to talk about their partners more often, leading to them repeating the term first!

In some instances, Cohen says, the baby is not addressing either parent but is just testing out their speech abilities. She also added that it's more natural for babies to make “D” sounds.

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Another perspective

Diane Paul, director of clinical issues in speech-language pathology at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, offered another perspective to the The New York Post.

She suggests that the baby in the TikTok clip above could’ve simply been asking a question rather than purposely going against her mother’s orders.

“She sees mama — so why ask for her? This reflects the appropriate social use of language, known as pragmatics,” she theorised.

So there you have it, it's not you, it's just part of their natural development!

However...

If you want to get your baby to say mama first, there are some tactics you could use.

For example, Cohen suggests making the word synonymous with fun and excitement.

In an Instagram video, she recommends, “While you’re drinking, take a sip (and say), ‘Mmmmm’ or … blow kisses … and make those silly raspberry noises.”

Babies are drawn to playful sounds, and incorporating these into your interactions can make mama more appealing.

Use this information how you will!