One of the most exciting milestones for parents is hearing their child’s first words. It’s a moment filled with joy and anticipation, often leading to the common question we hear at Talking Fish Speech Pathology: “When will my child talk?”
While every child develops at their own pace, there are general guidelines and important milestones that can help you understand what to expect and when to consider seeking professional advice.
The Journey of Communication: From Coos to Conversations
Long before their first words, babies are already communicating. This early communication is foundational to later speech and language development.
- Birth to 3 Months: Your baby will startle at loud sounds, respond to your voice by calming or smiling, make cooing sounds, and cry to express needs. They’ll also begin to produce different cries for different needs.
- 4 to 6 Months: Expect more babbling, often with different sounds like “p,” “b,” and “m.” They’ll also begin to laugh, show excitement with vocal play, and respond to their name. You might notice them looking in the direction of sounds.
- 7 to 12 Months: This is often when the magic of “babbling with intent” begins. Your baby might string together sounds like “mamama” or “bababa.” They’ll respond to simple requests (“come here”), understand “no,” and might wave bye-bye. Their first true words, often “mama” or “dada,” typically emerge around 12 months, though this can vary. They’ll also start using gestures to communicate.
- 12 to 18 Months: At this stage, children are typically saying a few single words, understanding simple instructions, and pointing to objects they want. Their vocabulary will be growing, perhaps up to 10-20 words by 18 months, though individual differences are significant.
- 18 to 24 Months: A rapid increase in vocabulary is common. Your toddler might be combining two words (“more juice,” “bye-bye car”) and following two-step commands. They’ll also be able to identify common objects and pictures.
- 2 to 3 Years: Your child’s vocabulary will expand dramatically, and they’ll start forming longer sentences (3-4 words). They should be able to answer simple “who,” “what,” and “where” questions, and most of what they say should be understandable to familiar listeners.
When to Consider a Professional Opinion
While the developmental window for speech and language is wide, it’s natural to worry if your child isn’t hitting these milestones as expected. If you notice any of the following, it’s a good idea to seek advice from a speech pathologist:
- No babbling by 9 months.
- No first words by 15-18 months.
- Doesn’t respond to their name or sounds by 12 months.
- Doesn’t use gestures (like pointing or waving) by 12 months.
- Doesn’t combine two words by 2 years.
- Difficulty understanding simple instructions at any age.
- Only imitates speech or actions, but doesn’t initiate words or phrases.
- Loses previously acquired speech or language skills.
- Consistently hard to understand, even by familiar adults, after 2-3 years old.
- Lack of eye contact or shared attention.
What a Speech Pathologist Can Do
At Talking Fish Speech Pathology, we understand that every child is unique. If you have concerns, we will conduct a comprehensive assessment to understand your child’s communication strengths and areas where they might need support. We can then provide tailored strategies and therapy to encourage their speech and language development. Early intervention is incredibly powerful, making a significant difference in a child’s communication journey.
Trust your instincts as a parent. If something feels off, it’s always best to have it checked. We’re here to support you and your child in their wonderful journey of discovering their voice.
