Speech development milestones
When parents learn that I am a speech pathologist, they are always quick to ask me questions like “how many words should my daughter have by age 2” or “my son still won’t drink from a straw, is that OK?” These are great questions, and I love that my profession allows me to share advice with so many wonderful parents.
Given parents’ natural curiosity about their child’s wellbeing, I compiled a list of major speech development milestones. These are the expected stages of language and communication skills that children typically reach during their early years. It’s worth noting that all children develop differently, and if your child doesn’t achieve all of these… that’s OK! These are directional and for your reference as you continue to monitor and support your child’s development.
Birth to 3 Months:
Makes cooing and gurgling sounds
Reacts to familiar voices and sounds
4 to 6 Months:
Begins babbling with consonant sounds (e.g., "ba-ba," "da-da")
Responds to their name
Uses different vocalizations to express pleasure, excitement, and distress
7 to 12 Months:
Produces a variety of babbling sounds
Uses gestures (e.g., waving, pointing) to communicate
Understands simple words like "bye-bye" or "no"
Attempts to imitate familiar sounds and words
12 to 18 Months:
Starts using their first words, typically naming familiar objects or people
Uses gestures and vocalizations to get attention
Begins combining two words, such as "more juice" or "bye-bye Mommy"
Understands simple instructions, like "Give me the toy"
18 to 24 Months:
Vocabulary expands rapidly, with around 50 or more words
Begins using two- to three-word phrases to express thoughts or requests
Asks simple questions using rising intonation
Points to body parts when asked
2 to 3 Years:
Vocabulary grows to hundreds of words
Uses simple sentences with three or more words
Asks "why" questions to seek explanations
Begins using pronouns (e.g., "I," "you," "me")
3 to 4 Years:
Sentences become more complex, with four or more words
Uses correct grammar most of the time
Engages in simple conversations and storytelling
Understands basic prepositions (e.g., "in," "on," "under")
4 to 5 Years:
Vocabulary expands further, with increased understanding of abstract words
Speaks clearly and fluently, with most speech sounds developed
Asks and answers more complex questions
Engages in imaginative play and tells longer stories
It's important to note that these milestones serve as general guidelines, and there can be individual variations. If you have concerns about your child's speech and language development, please contact Fisher-Jost Therapy for a free consultation.