As a parent, it’s exciting to hear your baby’s first words—but it can also feel stressful if your child isn’t talking yet and you’re not sure what’s typical. Language development can vary from child to child, but there are certain milestones and red flags that can help you understand if your child is on track.
🗣️ Typical Speech Milestones
Here’s a general guide to when you can expect to hear those early words:
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Around 6–9 months: Babies begin to babble (e.g., “ba-ba,” “da-da”) and make a variety of sounds.
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By 12 months: Many children will say their first true words, like “mama,” “ball,” or “up.”
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By 18 months: Your child should have at least 10 words and begin using them consistently.
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By 24 months (2 years): Your child should have a vocabulary of around 50 words and begin combining 2 words (e.g., “more milk,” “go outside”).
It’s important to note that understanding language (receptive language) often comes before speaking, so you may notice your child following simple directions or responding to their name before they start using many words.
🚩 Red Flags to Watch For
If you notice any of these signs, it may be a good idea to consult a speech-language pathologist for further evaluation:
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No babbling by 9 months
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No words by 15 months
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Fewer than 50 words by 24 months
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Not combining words by 2 years
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Not using gestures like pointing, waving, or reaching by 12 months
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Limited interest in communication or interaction
Early support can make a big difference, especially if your child is showing signs of a speech or language delay.
💡 What Can You Do at Home?
If your child isn’t talking yet—or you just want to support their language development—here are some simple strategies that can help:
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Talk face to face: Get down to your child’s level so they can see your mouth and facial expressions.
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Narrate daily routines: Talk about what you’re doing during meals, diaper changes, and playtime.
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Repeat, repeat, repeat: Children learn through repetition. Use simple, consistent words and phrases.
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Sing and read daily: Songs with hand motions (like “Itsy Bitsy Spider”) and repetitive books are especially helpful.
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Offer choices: Instead of asking yes/no questions, give two options: “Do you want banana or apple?”
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Pause and wait: After asking a question or labeling something, give your child a few seconds to respond or imitate.
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Celebrate all attempts to communicate: Whether your child points, babbles, or uses a word, praise their efforts!
📞 When to Reach Out
If you’re feeling unsure about your child’s communication skills, trust your instincts. A speech and language evaluation can provide answers—and peace of mind.
At Long Island Speech and Feeding Therapy, we specialize in supporting early communication and language milestones. Don’t wait and see—early help leads to better outcomes.
👉 Contact us today or visit www.lispeechtherapy.com to learn more.