First words typically begin to appear around age one. When we look closely at those first words, we can almost always expect certain speech sounds, called bilabial sounds, to come out first. Here is what bilabial sounds are and how to work them into play.
What Are Bilabial Sounds?
These early speech sounds include all vowels, as well as the consonants /p/, /m/, and /b/, which are typically mastered around age two. They are called bilabials because a child makes them by pressing their lips together and then quickly opening them to release airflow. To learn more about the order in which sounds develop, read what sounds develop first.
Fun Activities to Model Bilabial Sounds
To encourage speech development, model these sounds early. Here are creative ways to work them into everyday play.
Bouncy Ball Play
Playing with a bouncy ball gives many repetitions of bilabial sounds. The ball can “bounce” “back” and forth, go “up,” and be “blue.” Taking turns “passing” the ball encourages eye contact and watching your lips. You can also model “push” and pronouns like “my,” “me,” and “mine.”
Mealtime Modeling
Ask for “more” by holding back a little of a favorite food and emphasizing the word as you hand it over. You can also encourage “milk” and “please” with any request. Foods with these sounds include banana, potato, beans, apple, blueberries, muffin, pizza, and pasta.
Bubble Play
Bubbles give many chances to model these sounds. Encourage your child to say “pop” as they pop each bubble, and let them tell you to make bubbles go “up,” or be “big” or small. With the lid on, asking to “open” it models /p/, and “bubbles” is a great target word on its own.
Pretend Play With Farm Animals
Pretend play or picture books with farm animals make natural practice. “The cow says moo” pairs /m/ with a vowel, “the sheep says baa” pairs /b/ with a different vowel, and “the cat says meow” pairs /m/ with a vowel and consonant. You can also look for “baby” animals and “mommy” animals. Pig, mouse, llama, puppy, and sheep all live in a “barn.”
Books to Practice Bilabial Sounds
- /b/: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, A Bug, a Bear, and a Boy, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, and Wheels on the Bus
- /p/: The Three Little Pigs, Piggies in Pajamas, If You Give a Pig a Pancake, Too Many Pumpkins, and Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse
- /m/: If You Give a Moose a Muffin, Are You My Mother?, Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, The Mitten, and Goodnight Moon
Include Bilabial Sounds in Everyday Life
Young children learn best through natural play and routines. Even five minutes of uninterrupted time with your child each day can make a meaningful difference in their language development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the bilabial sounds?
They are /p/, /b/, and /m/, made by pressing the lips together and releasing air. Vowels also develop early.
How can I help my child say bilabial sounds?
Model the sounds during play, meals, and books. Say words naturally and emphasize them, rather than asking your child to repeat after you.
When should I be concerned about my child’s first words?
If your child has no true words by about 15 to 16 months, or you have concerns about their speech, schedule an evaluation. Early help is very effective.
How ETLC Can Help
If you have questions about your child’s speech, our speech-language pathologists are here to help. Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center has locations in Johnston and North Liberty, IA, with virtual services also available.
Learn more about speech sound disorder support at ETLC or schedule a free consultation to talk with a member of our team.
You may also find these pages helpful:
- What Sounds Develop First?
- Toddler Talk: 7 Tips to Increase Language Development
- Talking to Your Baby: 4 FAQs About Early Language
About the Author
Sonia Strueby, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the founder of Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center. With over 25 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist, Sonia has dedicated her career to helping children overcome complex communication and academic challenges. She has advanced training and a special focus on treating dyslexia and childhood apraxia of speech, and she is passionate about providing families with a clear path to success.
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