A baby who still ignores their name after 9-12 months should have hearing checked and developmental progress reviewed by a pediatrician.
As babies grow, they reach important developmental milestones, and one of those is responding to their name. However, it can be concerning if a baby does not react when called. While every child develops at their own pace, there are a few things to consider if your baby isn’t responding to their name by the expected time.
When Do Babies Typically Respond to Their Name?
Babies often recognise their name between 4 and 6 months, showing a brief pause or change in expression when they hear it. A reliable head-turn or eye-contact response usually appears between 9 and 12 months as their receptive-language skills mature. Because development varies, observe the overall trend rather than a single day on the calendar.
| Age window | Typical name response | Parent check-in & next step |
|---|---|---|
| 4 – 6 months | Momentary pause, change in facial expression when name is said | Repeat their name in sing-song tones during cuddles and diaper changes |
| 7 – 9 months | Looks toward you or a toy when called in a quiet room | Move to a calm space; reward with smiles and claps when they look |
| 10 – 12 months | Consistent head-turn even with mild background noise; may babble back | No response? Arrange a hearing screen and discuss at the 12-month well-visit |
| 13 – 18 months | Points or vocalises “yes?” after name; follows a one-step command | Play turn-taking games (“Where’s Ella?”) to build receptive language |
Encouraging Name Recognition
Play-based strategies
Repetition is queen. Say your baby’s name enthusiastically every time you make eye contact or hand them a toy—pairing the sound with a positive social cue wires the auditory-social loop more efficiently. Peek-a-boo variations work wonders: hide behind a cloth, call their name, and reveal yourself when they turn; the tiny dopamine hit cements the sound-meaning link. Short, name-filled songs (“Maya-Maya, clap your hands”) add rhythm, another boost for memory pathways.
Optimise the soundscape
Babies filter stimuli poorly. Try a “quiet-room test”: switch off the TV, choose a softly lit corner, then call their name once every 15 seconds. A distracted infant often responds here, ruling out hearing issues. For stubborn background hum—dishwasher, ceiling fan—move two metres closer; infant auditory thresholds are higher than adults’. If there’s still no reaction, jot it down; concrete observations help your pediatrician.
Build a two-way routine
From eight months onward, layer simple commands after the name: “Lucas, give me the block.” Even if they don’t comply, they hear the syntax. Mirror baby sounds (“ba-ba!” → “Yes, baby says ba-ba!”) to model turn-taking and expand babbles into proto-words. Consistency—ten minutes, three times a day—beats marathon sessions.
Screening & Early Intervention Pathway
Universal hearing checks
All newborns should receive an otoacoustic emissions or automated auditory brainstem response test before discharge. Even so, late-onset or fluctuating loss from recurrent ear infections can emerge in the first year. Fluid behind the eardrum dampens sound conduction and may entirely mask a softly spoken name until it clears.
What happens at audiology?
If referred, the audiologist repeats screening with age-adjusted thresholds, then runs tympanometry to see if middle-ear fluid is the culprit. Mild conductive loss often resolves after treating the infection; permanent sensorineural loss may lead to hearing aids as early as three months and cochlear implantation by 9-12 months when indicated. Early amplification dramatically boosts later language scores.
Speech-language therapy sooner = better
For babies who pass hearing tests yet still ignore their name, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) screens receptive and expressive skills. Home-based parent-implemented programs that start before 18 months show stronger gains than waiting until preschool. Many SLP exercises look like play: labelling objects, gesturing, and expanding babbles into words.
When it points toward autism
A single missed milestone does not equal a diagnosis, but when poor name response co-occurs with limited eye contact, few gestures, and repetitive play patterns, your pediatrician may recommend a formal developmental evaluation or referral to an Early Intervention program. Evidence-based therapies (such as the Early Start Denver Model) are most effective when begun before age two.
Why Might a Baby Not Respond to Their Name?
If your baby isn’t responding to their name, there can be several factors at play. It’s important to keep in mind that not all reasons are cause for concern, but some situations may require closer observation.
- Hearing Impairments
Hearing Loss: One possible reason for not responding could be related to a hearing issue. Babies with hearing difficulties might not pick up on their name being called or other sounds.
Ear Infections: Frequent ear infections can also affect a baby’s ability to hear, leading to temporary or fluctuating hearing loss. - Developmental Delays
Speech and Language Delays: Some babies may experience delays in speech or language development, which could impact their ability to understand and respond to their name.
Cognitive Development: Every baby develops at their own pace. Delays in cognitive development might affect how quickly a baby responds to their name. - Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Early Signs: One of the early signs of autism can be a lack of response to their name by 12 months of age. While this alone doesn’t confirm ASD, it can be a reason to monitor other developmental milestones.
Other Behaviors: In addition to not responding to their name, other signs of ASD might include avoiding eye contact, limited babbling, or not pointing to objects of interest.
What Should You Do if Your Baby Isn’t Responding?
If you notice your baby isn’t responding to their name by 9 months, there are steps you can take to assess the situation.
- Check for Hearing Issues
Observe Reactions: Try calling your baby in a quiet room versus a noisy environment to see if they react. Babies with hearing loss might react better in quieter spaces.
Hearing Tests: If you suspect a hearing issue, schedule a hearing test with a pediatric audiologist to rule out any impairments. - Engage with Your Baby
Use Positive Reinforcement: Call your baby’s name in a gentle, happy tone while playing or during daily routines. You can also try getting their attention by clapping or using toys to make noise.
Limit Distractions: Ensure there are fewer distractions when calling their name, as babies can sometimes be too focused on other stimuli to respond. - Monitor Other Developmental Milestones
Track Their Progress: Keep an eye on other social and cognitive behaviors like smiling, babbling, and making eye contact. If these milestones are also delayed, it may be worth discussing with your pediatrician. - Consult with a Pediatrician
Early Intervention: If you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to consult a pediatrician. Early intervention can make a significant difference in addressing any developmental delays or concerns related to hearing or social engagement.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your baby does not respond to their name by 12 months or shows other signs of developmental delays, it’s important to seek professional advice. Your doctor may recommend further evaluation, such as:
Speech and Language Therapy: If a delay in communication skills is suspected, a speech-language therapist can work with your baby to improve these skills.
Developmental Screening: A comprehensive developmental evaluation may be recommended to assess for conditions like ASD or other developmental disorders.
Conclusion: Trust Your Instincts
Every child develops at their own pace, but if you have concerns about your baby not responding to their name, trust your instincts. Early detection and intervention can be crucial in addressing any underlying issues, and your healthcare provider is there to guide you through the process. Stay engaged and observant of your baby’s behaviors, and you’ll be able to ensure they’re on the right track toward healthy development.