A baby’s first words are music to the ears of parents. But how can you know if your child’s speech and language development is on the right track?
While every child learns to speak at their own pace, basic milestones for proper child development can serve as a guide for normal speech and language progression. These milestones help doctors and other healthcare professionals determine if a child needs additional help.
By the End of 12 Months
When your child reaches one year old, they might start trying to imitate speech sounds and say a few words, such as “daddy,” “mommy,” and “uh-oh.” By now, they understand simple instructions like “come here” or “give me the ball.” They should be able to recognize words for common objects, such as “shoe,” “plate,” “book,” and have their own names for those objects. A one-year-old can also turn and look in the direction of sounds.
By the End of 18 Months
When your baby is one and a half years old, they will be able to recognize the names of familiar people who are often around them. They will also recognize objects and body parts. The child will be able to follow simple instructions accompanied by gestures, for example, “give me the cup” when you point to it. By now, they should be able to clearly say at least ten words, and their vocabulary will continue to expand each month.
By the End of 24 Months
When your child turns two years old, they will easily use simple phrases like “more milk,” “no water,” and similar. They will likely ask one- or two-word questions, such as “Going bye-bye?” The child now follows simple commands and understands simple questions. Their vocabulary now includes 50 or more words, so it would be good to talk to them as much as possible to reinforce their language skills. Avoid baby talk; you can use it occasionally when cuddling, but when talking to them, use adult language so they learn to speak correctly.
When to Consult Your Child’s Doctor
Talk to your child’s doctor if they have not mastered most of the speech and language development milestones for their age or if you are concerned about their development. Speech delays occur for many reasons, including hearing loss and developmental disorders. Depending on the circumstances, your pediatrician may refer you to a hearing specialist (audiologist) or a speech-language pathologist.
In the meantime, talk to your child about what you are doing and where you are going. Sing songs and read together. Teach your child to imitate actions, such as clapping and mimicking animal sounds. Practice counting. Show your child that you are pleased when they speak. Listen to your child’s sounds and repeat them. These steps can encourage your child’s speech and language development.
