At what age do babies typically start to vocalize expressively through babbling?

Babies typically begin to vocalize expressively through babbling around 6 months of age. This stage is significant in language development as it marks the transition from cooing and making simple sounds to producing a combination of consonant and vowel sounds. Babbling helps infants practice the mechanics of speech, explore their vocal capabilities, and begin to engage with caregivers in a more interactive manner. It serves as a foundational step for later language acquisition, as babies start to experiment with sounds that will eventually contribute to their first words. Understanding this typical developmental milestone helps caregivers and educators nurture language development effectively in early childhood.