19 May Toddler Speech Milestones: When Should They Start Talking?
2 min. readHearing your toddler say their first words is an exciting milestone for any parent. But it’s common to wonder when talking should begin. Every child develops at their own pace, but there are general speech milestones that can help you understand if your toddler is on track.
First Words: What to Expect
Most babies begin to babble by 6 months, making sounds like “ba,” “da,” or “ma.” By 12 months, many say simple words like “mama” or “dada” and use them with meaning. Around 18 months, toddlers often have a vocabulary of 10 to 20 words. By 2 years old, most toddlers are putting two words together, like “more milk” or “go outside.”
What’s Normal?
Here are some common speech milestones:
- 12 months: Uses simple words like “mama” or “bye,” follows basic directions, and uses gestures like pointing or waving
- 18 months: Says around 10 to 20 words and can name familiar people or objects
- 24 months: Uses 2-word phrases, has about 50 or more words, and is understood by parents most of the time
It’s okay if your child doesn’t hit every milestone at the exact time. What matters most is steady progress over time.
When to Reach Out to Your Pediatrician
If your child isn’t meeting these milestones, it doesn’t always mean something is wrong. But it’s a good idea to check in with your pediatrician, especially if:
- Your child isn’t babbling by 12 months
- They don’t say any words by 18 months
- They don’t put two words together by age 2
- They don’t respond to their name or seem to have trouble hearing
Early support can help your child thrive. Your doctor may recommend a hearing test or refer you to a speech therapist.
How Parents Can Help
You are your child’s best teacher. Try these easy ways to help:
- Talk to your toddler throughout the day and describe what you’re doing
- Read books together every day
- Sing songs with repeating words and rhymes
- Give your child time to respond, even if it’s just a sound or gesture
At Continuum Pediatrics, we’re here to support your child’s growth every step of the way. If you have any questions about speech milestones, schedule an appointment with our team today.