When Will Baby Clap and What Does It Mean?

• Babies typically start clapping around 12-15 months, but they may try bringing their hands together at an earlier age.

• Clapping helps babies connect and communicate with others, imitating caregivers to show excitement.

• Encourage clapping by modeling the behavior and playing interactive games. Consult a healthcare provider if Baby isn’t clapping by 15 months.

When will Baby clap?

Baby clapping their hands is a 12-15 month motor milestone. They may start bringing their hands together at an earlier age, but it will become clapping around their first birthday.

For Baby, clapping is more than just a motor skill!

Baby claps when they are trying to connect with another person or animal. When Baby’s caregiver is having fun with them, the caregiver may clap their hands, which is how Baby learns what this means. In other words, they are trying to connect with you by doing what they’ve seen you do. So clapping is an important social-emotional skill too!

Baby’s talking skills are still developing at 12-15 months, so clapping is another way they can connect and communicate with others. As Baby gets better at clapping, they will use it more and more to connect with others and communicate they are excited and having fun.

How can I help Baby learn to clap?

Baby learns to clap because they see their caregiver doing it. So one of the best ways to help Baby clap is by clapping yourself! Clap when:

• Playing together and having fun

• Praising Baby for something they did

• Completing a task (like eating or reading a book)

• Singing a song or dancing

You can also play games that involve clapping with Baby! Try games like:

• Pat-a-cake: This common nursery rhyme involves clapping. When Baby can start sitting up on their own (around 4-6 months), help them clap their hands together while singing the rhyme.

• Peek-a-boo: Cap when appearing after peek-a-boo or when Baby tries to find you.

• Baby See, Baby Do: Sit across from Baby, facing them. Say: “Do what I do!” Make a funny face, stick out your tongue. Clap when they copy you. Use other parts of your body as well—hands, arms—encouraging them to do what you do. (This game is recommended for Baby at 15-18 months).

What if Baby doesn’t clap?

Baby clapping is a 12-15 month motor milestone, and it’s always important to ask a healthcare provider about a milestone if Baby misses it. So if Baby isn’t clapping by 15 months, ask a healthcare provider to learn more.