At what age do infants typically begin producing speech-like sounds?

Infants typically begin producing speech-like sounds around 2 months of age. During this early stage of development, babies start to coo, which involves making elongated vowel sounds. This marks the beginning of their vocal experimentation and is an important milestone in their ability to communicate. Producing these cooing sounds lays the foundation for later speech development, as it encourages the development of their vocal tract and auditory skills. As children continue to grow, these initial sounds evolve into more complex babbling and eventually into recognizable words. This early vocalization is crucial for social interaction and language acquisition, indicating that they are beginning to engage with their environment and respond to auditory stimuli.