When Should My Child Start Talking? A Guide to Early Language Milestones

Hearing your child say their first words is an exciting milestone! But many parents wonder: When should my child start talking? And when should they start putting words together? Understanding typical language development can help you support your little one on their language journey.

First Words: Around 12 Months

By the time your child reaches their first birthday, you can typically expect them to say their first words. These might be simple words like “mama,” “dada,” “ball,” or “bye-bye.” At this stage, babies also use gestures, sounds, signs, etc. to communicate their wants and needs.

Combining Two Words: Around 18 Months

Around 18 months, many toddlers begin combining two words to express themselves, such as “more cookie,” “big truck,” or “bye-bye dog.” Their vocabulary is also growing (~20-50 words) by this time.

Combining Two to Three Words: Around 24 Months

By age two, children usually start forming short phrases of two to three words, like “I want toy,” “big red car,” or “go park now.” Their vocabulary expands rapidly (~200 words), and they can understand even more. This stage marks a significant leap in communication and interaction.

What If My Child Isn’t Talking Yet?

Children develop at their own pace, but if you notice any of the following, it might be a good idea to check in with a speech-language pathologist:

• No babbling or gestures by 12 months
• No clear words by 16 months
• Not combining two words by 18–24 months
• Difficulty understanding simple instructions

How Can I Help My Child’s Speech Development?

Parents play a key role in encouraging language growth. Here are some simple ways to help:

• Model often: Describe what you’re doing, name objects, and narrate daily activities.
• Read together: Books expose children to new words and ideas in a fun way.
• Give choices: Instead of yes/no questions, offer choices like “Do you want apple or banana?” to promote word use.
• Be patient and responsive: Celebrate your child’s attempts at communication and model correct language naturally.

When to Seek Support

If you’re concerned about your child’s speech development, early intervention can make a big difference. A expressive language can assess your child’s communication skills and provide guidance to support their language growth.

Every child develops at their own pace, but if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out. Supporting early language skills sets the foundation for strong communication in the future!

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