How Many Words Should Kids Say by 18 Months? Your Guide to Milestones

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the 18-Month Speech Milestone: What to Expect
3. Key Milestones Beyond Just “Words” at 18 Months
4. When “How Many Words” Becomes a Concern: Red Flags to Watch For
5. Nurturing Your Child’s Speech Development: Practical Strategies at Home
6. Speech Blubs: Empowering Communication Through Play
7. Beyond 18 Months: What Comes Next?
8. Making the Smart Choice: Speech Blubs Plans
9. Conclusion
10. Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

The world of a toddler is a whirlwind of discovery, and few things capture a parent’s heart more than hearing their child utter new words. Each “mama,” “dada,” or “ball” is a tiny victory, a sign of their growing connection to the world around them. As your little one approaches the exciting 18-month mark, a common question often surfaces in parents’ minds: “How many words should kids say by 18 months?” It’s a natural query, born from a deep desire to ensure your child is thriving and developing right on track.

Navigating early childhood development can feel like a complex puzzle, with countless milestones to track. Speech and language, in particular, are areas that many parents watch closely. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into what typical speech development looks like at 18 months, providing clarity on the expected word count and other crucial communication milestones. We’ll explore common concerns, offer practical, engaging strategies you can implement at home, and introduce you to supportive tools like Speech Blubs that make learning to communicate a joyful adventure. Our aim is to empower you with the knowledge and resources to confidently support your child’s unique journey towards finding their voice, helping them speak their minds and hearts.

Understanding the 18-Month Speech Milestone: What to Expect

The journey of language acquisition is truly remarkable, transforming a cooing infant into a little chatterbox. At 18 months, your child is rapidly absorbing the world around them, and their communication skills are blossoming in incredible ways. While every child develops at their own pace, there are general guidelines and a range of words and communication behaviors that are typically observed around this age.

When considering “how many words should kids say by 18 months,” it’s helpful to understand that we’re talking about expressive vocabulary – the words your child can say. Most experts suggest that by 18 months, a child should be using at least 10-20 words consistently. However, it’s crucial to remember that this is a general guideline, and some children might have slightly fewer while others have significantly more. The quality of communication and variety of words are often more important than hitting an exact number.

Beyond just single words, look for:

• Understanding Simple Commands: Your child should be able to follow one-step directions without gestures, like “Give me the ball” or “Come here.”
• Responding to Their Name: Consistently turning their head or reacting when you call their name.
• Using Gestures: Pointing to objects they want, waving goodbye, or shaking their head “no.” These are powerful early communication tools.
• Imitating Sounds and Words: Trying to copy sounds you make or repeating simple words. This imitation is a vital step in learning to speak.
• Identifying Body Parts and Objects: Pointing to their nose, mouth, or familiar toys when asked.

It’s not just about the number of words, but the overall intent to communicate. Are they trying to tell you something, even if it’s not a perfectly formed sentence? Are they engaging with you in back-and-forth interactions? These are all important indicators of healthy language development.

Key Milestones Beyond Just “Words” at 18 Months

While the number of words an 18-month-old uses is a common focus, language development encompasses a much broader set of skills. These foundational abilities are just as, if not more, important than a specific word count, as they pave the way for more complex communication. Let’s delve into these critical areas:

Receptive Language (Understanding)

This refers to how much your child understands of what they hear. Often, a child’s receptive language is far more advanced than their expressive language.

• Following Simple Commands: An 18-month-old should reliably follow simple, one-step commands without you needing to use gestures to help them understand. Examples include “Put the toy down,” “Bring me your shoes,” or “Sit here.”
• Identifying Familiar Objects and Body Parts: When you ask, “Where’s your nose?” or “Show me the ball,” your child should be able to point to the correct item or body part. They should recognize familiar objects in books or around the house.
• Understanding “No” and Other Basic Concepts: While they might not always obey “no,” they should understand its meaning. They also begin to grasp basic concepts like “more,” “all done,” or “up.”

Expressive Language (Speaking and Communicating)

This is what your child says or expresses to communicate. While the focus is often on spoken words, it includes gestures and sounds.

• Using Single Words: As mentioned, aiming for 10-20 words is a good general guideline. These words should be meaningful and used consistently, not just random sounds. Examples include “mama,” “dada,” “ball,” “dog,” “mine,” “no,” “juice,” “bye-bye.”
• Combining Gestures with Words: Your child might point to a cup and say “juice,” or wave goodbye while saying “bye.” This combination shows an evolving understanding of how to make their needs known.
• Imitating Sounds and Words: Your toddler should be trying to mimic sounds and words they hear, even if their pronunciation isn’t perfect. This “echoing” is a critical learning tool.
• Making Animal Sounds: “Moo,” “woof,” “meow” – these are often among the first complex sounds children learn to make and can be considered words in their own right.
• Initiating Communication: They might pull you by the hand to show you something, point to things they want, or make sounds to get your attention. This shows an active desire to engage.

Social Communication

Language isn’t just about words; it’s about connecting with others.

• Enjoying Interactive Games: Playing games like peek-a-boo, pat-a-cake, or chasing games demonstrates their ability to engage in back-and-forth social interactions, which are precursors to conversational turns.
• Responding to Joint Attention: When you point to something and say, “Look at the bird!” your child should follow your gaze or pointing finger. This shared focus is fundamental for language learning.
• Showing Affection: Giving hugs, kisses, or comfort to others.
• Expressing Emotions: Using sounds, gestures, or words to show happiness, frustration, or sadness.

It’s vital to look at the whole picture of your child’s communication rather than fixating solely on the number of words. A child who uses many gestures, understands a lot, and actively tries to communicate, even with fewer words, may be developing typically. However, if you notice several “red flags” combined with a low word count, it’s always best to seek guidance.

When “How Many Words” Becomes a Concern: Red Flags to Watch For

While developmental milestones provide a helpful framework, they are not rigid deadlines. Every child is unique, and some may reach certain milestones earlier or later than their peers. However, recognizing potential “red flags” is crucial for early intervention, which can make a significant difference in a child’s long-term communication development. If you’re pondering “how many words should kids say by 18 months” and feel your child might be falling behind, here are specific indicators that warrant further investigation:

• Fewer than 10-20 words by 18 months: This is often the most direct indicator. If your child is using fewer than this range consistently, it’s a reason to consult with a professional.
• Not responding to their name: If your child frequently doesn’t respond when you call their name, even without distractions, it could indicate a hearing issue or a developmental concern.
• Lack of pointing or other gestures: By 18 months, children should be using gestures like pointing to show you things they want or are interested in, waving goodbye, or shaking their head for “no.” A lack of these gestures can be a significant red flag.
• Difficulty imitating sounds or words: Imitation is a fundamental building block of speech. If your child isn’t attempting to copy sounds you make or simple words, it may signal a need for support.
• Loss of previously learned words or skills: If your child was saying words or performing certain communication actions and then stopped, this is a serious red flag that should always be investigated immediately.
• No effort to communicate needs or wants: If your child doesn’t try to get your attention, show you things, or express what they want (verbally or non-verbally), it could be a concern.
• Lack of eye contact or shared attention: If your child avoids eye contact or doesn’t follow your gaze or pointing finger (joint attention), it can be an indicator of broader developmental challenges.
• Not showing interest in others: A lack of curiosity about other children or adults, or an inability to engage in simple social interactions, can be a red flag.

It’s important to trust your parental instincts. If you have a persistent gut feeling that something isn’t quite right, even if your child meets some milestones, it’s always best to seek professional advice. Early intervention is key; addressing potential speech or language delays sooner rather than later can significantly improve outcomes. A speech-language pathologist can provide a thorough assessment and recommend appropriate strategies or therapies.

Unsure if your child could benefit from some extra support? Take our quick 3-minute preliminary screener to get a simple assessment and a personalized next-steps plan. It involves just 9 simple questions and can offer immediate clarity, leading you to a free 7-day trial of our app if recommended: Take our quick 3-minute preliminary screener.

Remember, recognizing these signs isn’t about finding fault but about empowering you to provide your child with the best possible support during these crucial formative years.

Nurturing Your Child’s Speech Development: Practical Strategies at Home

You are your child’s first and most important teacher. Every interaction, every moment shared, is an opportunity to foster their language development. While the question of “how many words should kids say by 18 months” might prompt concern, focusing on rich, interactive experiences is far more beneficial than counting words alone. Here are practical, engaging strategies you can implement in your daily routine to nurture your child’s burgeoning communication skills:

Talk, Talk, Talk: Narrate Everything

One of the simplest yet most powerful things you can do is to talk to your child constantly. Narrate your actions, describe what you see, and vocalize their experiences.

• “We’re putting on your blue socks now. One foot, then the other!”
• “Look, a big red car is driving by!”
• “You’re eating your yummy banana. Is it sweet?”

This constant stream of language exposes your child to a vast vocabulary and demonstrates how words are used in context.

Read Together Daily

Reading is a cornerstone of language development. Make it a joyful daily ritual.

• Point and Label: As you read, point to pictures and clearly name the objects. “Look, a dog! The dog says woof-woof!”
• Ask Simple Questions: “Where’s the cat?” or “What color is the apple?” Even if they can’t answer verbally yet, this encourages engagement and understanding.
• Engage with the Story: Use different voices for characters, make animal sounds, and discuss what’s happening.

Sing Songs and Play Rhyming Games

Music and rhythm are powerful tools for language learning.

• Nursery Rhymes and Songs: Songs like “Old MacDonald” or “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” are rich in repetitive sounds, simple words, and actions that encourage participation.
• Rhyming Games: Point out words that rhyme, or playfully make up simple rhymes. This helps develop phonological awareness, a crucial pre-reading skill.

Respond to Gestures and Babbling

Acknowledge all forms of communication, even if they’re not words yet.

• Interpret Gestures: If your child points to a cup, say, “Oh, you want your cup! Here’s your juice.” This connects their gesture to the spoken word.
• Engage in “Conversations”: When your child babbles, respond as if they’ve said something meaningful. “Oh really? Tell me more!” This teaches them the back-and-forth nature of conversation.

Offer Choices

Empower your child by giving them opportunities to make choices and use words.

• “Do you want an apple or a banana?” Presenting two clear options encourages them to use a word or gesture to express their preference.
• “Red shirt or blue shirt?” This simple strategy naturally increases their word usage.

Limit Passive Screen Time

While screens are a part of modern life, it’s important to differentiate between passive viewing (like watching cartoons) and active, interactive screen time. Excessive passive screen time can hinder language development by reducing opportunities for real-world interaction and conversation.

Instead of passive viewing, consider screen time that actively engages your child, turning it into a learning experience. This is where tools like Speech Blubs come in, offering “smart screen time” that is scientifically designed to encourage communication through active participation rather than just passive observation.

For a parent whose 3-year-old “late talker” loves animals, the “Animal Kingdom” section within Speech Blubs offers a fun, motivating way to practice “moo” and “baa” sounds, promoting imitation and early vocalization. This contrasts sharply with a child passively watching an animal cartoon, as the app prompts and encourages active speech.

Remember, the goal is to create a language-rich environment where communication is valued, encouraged, and celebrated. Your consistent engagement and positive reinforcement are the most powerful catalysts for your child’s speech development.

Speech Blubs: Empowering Communication Through Play

At Speech Blubs, we understand the immense joy—and sometimes the worry—that comes with watching your child develop their language skills. Our mission is deeply personal: we want to empower children to “speak their minds and hearts.” This mission was born from the personal experiences of our founders, who all grew up with speech problems and recognized the desperate need for an engaging, effective tool they wished they had access to as children. We are committed to providing an immediate, effective, and joyful solution for the 1 in 4 children who need speech support, blending scientific principles with the natural joy of play into one-of-a-kind “smart screen time” experiences.

We firmly believe that screen time doesn’t have to be passive. While many parents are rightly concerned about the impact of endless cartoons, Speech Blubs offers a powerful screen-free alternative to passive viewing. Our app serves as a powerful tool for family connection, turning device usage into an interactive, educational, and bonding experience.

Our Unique Approach: Video Modeling

What truly sets Speech Blubs apart is our unique “video modeling” methodology. Instead of learning from animated characters or generic voiceovers, children learn by watching and imitating real kids—their peers—on screen. This approach leverages the power of “mirror neurons,” special brain cells that fire both when we perform an action and when we observe someone else performing it. When a child watches another child make a sound or say a word in our app, these mirror neurons activate, helping them understand and imitate the action more effectively.

This method isn’t just intuitive; it’s backed by science. Our approach has been rigorously evaluated, placing us in the top tier of speech apps worldwide. You can explore the research behind our methodology here. This peer-to-peer learning fosters a natural, comfortable environment for speech practice, making it feel less like therapy and more like play.

Real-World Application: How Speech Blubs Helps

Consider a common scenario: a parent is concerned about their 18-month-old using fewer than 10 words, especially if the child is shy or reluctant to vocalize. Traditional methods might feel intimidating. With Speech Blubs, that child can engage with diverse activities designed to spark imitation and communication. For instance, if your child is fascinated by vehicles, the “Vehicles” section encourages them to imitate the sounds and words associated with cars, trains, and planes. Watching other children say “beep-beep” or “choo-choo” can be incredibly motivating for a child who might otherwise hesitate.

Another example: A child struggling with expressive language might find it difficult to identify and name everyday objects. Our “First Words” section presents common items in engaging video clips, where peers clearly articulate the names. This repetitive, visual, and auditory input helps solidify word-object associations, making it easier for the child to begin using those words themselves.

Our app is designed to foster a love for communication, building confidence in young speakers, and significantly reducing the frustration often associated with speech delays. We focus on developing key foundational skills in a way that feels like pure fun, creating joyful family learning moments that extend beyond the screen. For parents wondering “how many words should kids say by 18 months” and seeking an active, engaging solution, Speech Blubs offers a powerful supplement to a child’s overall development plan and, when applicable, professional therapy.

Don’t just take our word for it. See what other parents are saying about their child’s success and progress with Speech Blubs by visiting our testimonials page. We believe in providing realistic expectations: while we don’t promise public speeches in a month, we are confident in our ability to lay strong foundations for communication, helping children discover their voices at their own pace.

Ready to see how Speech Blubs can make a difference for your child? Download Speech Blubs on the App Store or Google Play to begin your journey.

Beyond 18 Months: What Comes Next?

Understanding “how many words should kids say by 18 months” is a wonderful starting point, but language development is an ongoing journey that continues at a rapid pace beyond this milestone. As your child moves from 18 months towards their second birthday and beyond, you’ll witness even more exciting leaps in their communication skills.

By 24 months (2 years old), for instance, most children are expected to:

• Use at least 50 words: The vocabulary explosion continues!
• Combine two words together: This is a significant milestone, as they start forming simple phrases like “more juice,” “bye-bye dada,” or “my ball.”
• Follow two-step commands: “Pick up the toy and put it in the box.”
• Point to pictures in a book when named: Showing a deeper understanding of vocabulary.
• Use words to ask for things: Instead of just pointing, they might say “juice please.”
• Engage in simple pretend play: Using objects symbolically, like pretending a block is a phone.

It’s important to remember that these are benchmarks, and consistent engagement remains the most powerful factor in your child’s linguistic growth. The strategies you implement now – talking, reading, singing, and providing opportunities for interaction – will continue to be invaluable as your child grows. The foundations built during these early months are critical for their future communication, learning, and social development.

With continued support, patience, and encouragement, your child will steadily progress, discovering new ways to express themselves and connect with the world around them. Speech Blubs is designed to grow with your child, offering a wide range of activities and vocabulary sets that cater to different developmental stages and interests, ensuring that learning remains fresh and engaging.

Making the Smart Choice: Speech Blubs Plans

We believe in making effective speech support accessible and transparent. When you decide to join the Speech Blubs family, we want you to have all the information to choose the plan that best suits your family’s needs.

We offer two main subscription options:

• Monthly Plan: Priced at $14.99 per month. This plan offers access to the core Speech Blubs app.
• Yearly Plan: Our most popular and recommended option, priced at $59.99 per year.

Let’s break down why the Yearly Plan is the clear best choice and offers superior value:

• Significant Savings: With the Yearly Plan, you save a remarkable 66% compared to paying month-to-month. This breaks down to just $4.99 per month – less than a cup of coffee!
• 7-Day Free Trial: The Yearly Plan includes a full 7-day free trial. This allows you to experience the app’s full potential, explore all the activities, and see the engaging video modeling in action with your child, completely risk-free. The Monthly Plan, unfortunately, does not include a free trial.
• Exclusive Reading Blubs App: Only with the Yearly Plan do you gain access to the extra Reading Blubs app. This additional app is a fantastic resource for fostering early literacy skills, helping your child on their journey from speaking to reading.
• Early Access to New Updates: Yearly subscribers receive early access to new updates and features, ensuring you always have the latest and most engaging content.
• Priority Support: You’ll also benefit from a 24-hour support response time, meaning any questions or technical issues you might have will be addressed promptly. The Monthly Plan offers standard support.

The differences are clear: the Yearly Plan isn’t just cheaper; it’s a comprehensive package designed to give your child the best start in their communication and literacy journey, with added peace of mind for you.

To unlock all these incredible benefits, including your free trial and the Reading Blubs app, we highly encourage you to choose the Yearly Plan. It’s the best way to empower your child’s communication journey with the full suite of Speech Blubs tools.

Ready to get started and give your child the gift of confident communication? Create your account and begin your 7-day free trial today by choosing the Yearly plan.

Conclusion

The question of “how many words should kids say by 18 months” is a common one, reflecting every parent’s dedication to their child’s development. We’ve explored the typical benchmarks, highlighting that while a range of 10-20 consistent words is a good guide, the broader picture of receptive language, expressive attempts, and social communication is equally, if not more, important. Recognizing both typical development and potential red flags empowers you to provide timely support, ensuring your child has every opportunity to thrive.

Remember, your consistent engagement—through talking, reading, singing, and playful interaction—creates a rich language environment that is invaluable for your child’s growth. We know that navigating these early years can be challenging, but it’s also filled with incredible moments of connection and discovery.

At Speech Blubs, we are here to support you on this journey. Our app offers a unique, scientifically-backed “smart screen time” solution, using video modeling with peers to make learning to speak fun, engaging, and effective. We empower children to find their voices and confidently speak their minds and hearts, turning screen time into a powerful tool for family connection and developmental progress.

Don’t wait to give your child the gift of clear and confident communication. We invite you to experience the full potential of Speech Blubs. Download Speech Blubs on the App Store or Google Play today! To unlock the best value and access all our exclusive features, including the 7-day free trial and the Reading Blubs app, be sure to select the Yearly plan when you sign up. Let’s embark on this exciting language adventure together!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the minimum number of words an 18-month-old should say?

A1: While every child develops at their own pace, most speech and language experts suggest that an 18-month-old should be using at least 10-20 words consistently. However, it’s crucial to also consider their receptive language (how much they understand) and their overall communication attempts, including gestures.

Q2: Besides counting words, what other communication milestones should I look for at 18 months?

A2: Beyond just words, look for your child to follow simple one-step commands (without gestures), point to familiar objects or body parts when asked, use gestures to communicate (like pointing or waving), imitate sounds and words, and engage in back-and-forth social interactions like peek-a-boo.

Q3: My 18-month-old isn’t saying many words, but seems to understand everything. Should I be concerned?

A3: It’s common for receptive language (understanding) to be more advanced than expressive language (speaking) at this age. While understanding is a positive sign, if your child is consistently below the 10-20 word range, or if they show other red flags like a lack of gestures or difficulty imitating sounds, it’s always best to consult with your pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist for an assessment. Early intervention can be very beneficial.

Q4: How can Speech Blubs help my 18-month-old with their speech development?

A4: Speech Blubs uses a unique “video modeling” method where children learn by watching and imitating their peers, making learning engaging and effective. Our app provides a “smart screen time” alternative, offering interactive activities that encourage imitation, expand vocabulary, and build confidence in communication. It’s designed to be a fun, supplementary tool that works alongside your efforts at home to foster your child’s love for communication and help them find their voice.