Photo courtesy of Sarah Harris
When our daughter started saying “dada” before “mama,” I told myself I wouldn’t get worked up about it. Language acquisition is a moving thing. Her dad, who does the hard work of watching her every day while I’m at the office, deserved a win. “Mama” would eventually come, right? Well, maybe. Our chatty baby has been saying “dada” now for months. She rarely says “mama,” and only in moments of deep distress. “Maaaaaa maaaaaa,” she’ll sob, arms outstretched, tears running down her face.
Over the weekend the baby and I enjoyed a long snuggle under the comforter. We were blissfully relaxed, wrapped in each other’s arms. Renaissance masters could not have painted a cozier mother and child. “Da, da, da,” she whispered softly. When I took our daughter to the pediatrician recently, she unleashed a mighty stream of babble at her doctor. “DADA,” she proclaimed. “Is dada at home?” her doctor replied. “I bet he really likes it when you say that.”
He does like it, my husband. He revels in it, and can’t help but gloat. And I can’t help but feel mildly miffed at his gloating. Who did the hard work of growing this delightful human? Who produces all that breast milk in the freezer? Mama, that’s who.
I google “why do babies say ‘dada’ before ‘mama,’” and the internet reminds me not to take it personally. A “da” sound is easier to make than a “ma” sound. Babies may not see themselves as separate entities from their mothers. I know they’re right. Our daughter is learning to name what matters in her world. Dada is important. Mama is too. And I’ll be right here when she decides to tell me.
— Sarah Harris is digital editor at the Addison Independent.