What marks the beginning of a rapid increase in an infant's vocabulary known as the naming explosion?

The naming explosion typically occurs around 18 months of age and is characterized by a significant increase in the number of words an infant can express, particularly nouns. This phase is significant in language development, as infants begin to understand that objects and concepts have names, leading to a rapid expansion of their vocabulary.

During this period, many children go from knowing a handful of words to producing dozens, and sometimes even hundreds. This change is often fueled by the child’s growing cognitive abilities, social interactions, and exposure to language, allowing them to make connections between words and the world around them. The experience of engaging with caregivers, listening to stories, and participating in daily activities contributes to this sudden leap in language skills.

Although vocabulary growth begins earlier, with many children saying their first words around 12 months, the most pronounced surge occurs around 18 months, making this age a pivotal time in early language acquisition.