I'm just curious. I think I'm being a bit too strict on what "counts".

My daughter often makes "mumumum" and "mamama" noises when she wants me, and a "Dadadada" noise at my partner, also "giggy" for the dog - but I feel like those aren't REAL words, but are purposeful.

She's copied "buh-bye" when her Uncle and her Dad have said it, but not consistently, and to me she's just copying noises, it's not like she knows what she's saying. Often when you're talking to her she says "yeah" in response, but again she has no idea what she's saying (but seems to know it's said when people are talking. I say it a lot in conversations because I'm more of a listener).

My cousin's baby is 6 months old and has apparently said "dad". She filmed it but to me it's just the same babble my daughter does. (Obviously I wouldn't say that because I think "first word" is pretty subjective. If she wants to count it then that's her choice and I wouldn't tell her otherwise). But has your baby started talking yet? What do you count as their first word, and how old were they?

Hope this doesn't offend anyone 😊