Lip sounds: p, b, m, f, v and w

This guide is about six sounds made with the lips. For p, b and m, the lips close together, as in pig, bed and mum. For f and v, the top teeth touch the bottom lip, as in fan and van. For w, the lips make a round shape, as in wet. Word lists for m and f are in the nose sounds and stretchy sounds guides.

The ideas below fit into play, jobs around the house and trips out. The word lists are for English. You can use the same ideas in any language.

When children learn this

Most children say p by about 3.
Many children say b, m and w by about 3; most by about 4.
Many children say f by about 3 and a half; most by about 4.
Many children say v by about 4 to 5; some not until 6 or later. Studies give different ages for v.
Children learn sounds at different ages. Many say a sound in short words before they can say it in long words.

Common mix-ups

Many children say b for p ('big' for 'pig') until about 3. If it is still happening after about 3, mention it to the speech pathologist or your GP.
Many children say p for f ('pish' for 'fish') until about 3, and b for v ('bet' for 'vet') until about 4. If p for f is still happening after about 4, or b for v after about 6, mention it to the speech pathologist or your GP.

Try this

While you play

Have a teddy picnic with pretend food. Share the food out between the toys.

Your child: Bear want a bie.
You: Bear wants a pie. A hot pie for bear.

Around the house

When you feed a pet, talk about what the pet is doing.

Your child: Pishy hungry.
You: The fish is hungry. Here is some food for the fish.

When you go out

On a walk or a bus ride, talk about the cars and trucks going past.

Your child: A big ban!
You: A big van. A white van, going fast.

Words to use in your talk

Use these words in your own talk. Your child does not have to say them.

p

Easier words: pig, pen, pot, pie, pea

Harder words: apple, puppy, sheep, cup, hippo

b

Easier words: bee, bed, bag, bike, boat

Harder words: baby, banana, rabbit, web, tub

v

Easier words: van, vet, vote, voice, vine

Harder words: seven, oven, glove, river, volcano

Why it helps

When you say words with p, b, m, f, v and w the usual way in your own talk, your child hears how these sounds are used. Your child does not have to say the words after you or copy you.

When to get help

Tell the speech pathologist or your GP if your child says the same word a different way each time.
Tell the speech pathologist or your GP if your child uses one sound in place of many different sounds.
Tell the speech pathologist or your GP if your child is 4 or older and people who do not know them cannot understand much of what they say.

Safety and when to act

If your child stops using words or skills they had, or you have new worries, see your GP. Do not wait.
If your child is 3 or older and people who know them well understand very little of what they say, or your child is 2 or older and not putting two or more words together, see your GP or child health nurse for advice.
Hearing problems can affect talking. Ask your GP about a hearing test, especially after a lot of ear infections.
If your child stutters, contact a speech pathologist. Give your child time to finish. Do not use word lists or sound games with a child who stutters unless your speech pathologist says so.
Tell your GP if your child often coughs, chokes or gags when eating or drinking, has wet or gurgly breathing, keeps getting chest infections, or is losing weight. If food is stuck and your child cannot swallow, go to the nearest emergency department. If it is hard for them to breathe, call 000 and ask for an ambulance. If your child is choking and cannot cough or make a sound, start first aid and call 000.
Do not ask your child to say a word again and again. They may get frustrated.
You can do these ideas in any language. Learning more than one language does not cause talking problems.
These ideas do not replace a speech pathologist. Stay on the waitlist.

More help

Sources

Last checked 12 October 2026

Lip sounds: p, b, m, f, v and w