When Do Children Talk? Understanding Key Speech Milestones

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Journey to First Words: Early Communication Stages
3. Expanding Horizons: From Words to Phrases
4. Key Speech Milestones by Age
5. Why Speech Development Varies: Understanding Individual Pace
6. Empowering Your Child’s Voice: Strategies for Parents
7. Recognizing Red Flags: When to Seek Support
8. Speech Blubs: A Partner in Your Child’s Speech Journey
9. Conclusion
10. Frequently Asked Questions

The arrival of a baby ushers in a cascade of exciting “firsts”—first smile, first step, and for many parents, the eagerly anticipated first word. It’s a moment imbued with profound joy and significance, marking the start of a child’s journey into verbal communication. Yet, as much as we look forward to hearing “mama” or “dada,” a natural question arises: “What age do children talk, and what does healthy speech development truly look like?” You’ll discover that while there are general timelines for speech milestones, every child is a unique individual, unfolding their verbal tapestry at their own pace.

This comprehensive guide is designed to demystify the stages of speech development, offering you a clear roadmap of what to expect from your child’s first gurgles to their first sentences. We’ll explore the early signs of communication, delve into age-specific milestones, and provide practical strategies you can use at home to foster a love for language. Furthermore, we’ll help you recognize when a child might need a little extra support and highlight how resources like Speech Blubs can become a powerful partner in empowering your child to “speak their minds and hearts.”

Key Takeaways

• Early Communication: Speech development starts long before words, with coos and babbles forming the foundation around 4-6 months.
• First Words: Most babies utter their first meaningful words between 12 and 18 months, often “mama” or “dada.”
• Vocabulary Growth: A rapid expansion of vocabulary occurs between 18 months and 2 years, with toddlers typically acquiring 50-100 words.
• Combining Words: Two-word phrases usually emerge around 18-24 months, evolving into simple sentences by age 2-3.
• Individual Pace: There’s a wide range of normal development; focus on consistent progress rather than rigid timelines.
• Red Flags: Be aware of specific signs that might indicate a speech delay and when to seek professional advice.
• Empowering Tools: Interactive tools and strategies, including our Speech Blubs app, can significantly support language acquisition.

Introduction

As parents, we often find ourselves caught between the wonder of watching our child grow and the quiet anxiety of comparing their development to others. When it comes to speech, this feeling can be particularly acute. Is my baby babbling enough? Why hasn’t my toddler said their first word yet? These are common, valid questions that arise from a deep love and desire to ensure our children thrive. The journey of language acquisition is a truly incredible one, transforming a tiny infant’s cries into a symphony of words and sentences.

This blog post will serve as your comprehensive guide to understanding when children typically begin to talk. We’ll break down the critical milestones from those initial gurgles to the complex sentences of a preschooler, helping you discern typical development from potential areas of concern. We’ll also equip you with engaging, everyday strategies to nurture your child’s speech, including how smart screen time, like that offered by Speech Blubs, can be a joyful and effective learning tool. Our aim is to empower you with knowledge, offer practical advice, and provide reassurance, all while reinforcing our mission at Speech Blubs to support every child’s unique communication journey.

The Journey to First Words: Early Communication Stages

Speech development is not an isolated event that suddenly begins with the first word; it’s a continuous, multi-faceted journey that starts from birth. Long before “mama” or “dada” graces your ears, your child is absorbing sounds, experimenting with their vocal cords, and laying the essential groundwork for future verbal communication. Understanding these early stages is crucial for appreciating the incredible progression your child is making.

Beyond the First Cry: Birth to 6 Months

From the moment they enter the world, babies are communicators. Their cries signal needs, but very quickly, their vocal repertoire expands.

• Birth to 3 Months: During this initial period, babies begin to make sounds beyond crying. You’ll hear soft coos, gurgles, and sighs, often in response to your voice or a gentle touch. These are early experiments with their vocal cords, helping them discover the joy of making sounds. They’ll also start to smile, especially when interacting with you, signaling the beginning of social communication. Responding to these early vocalizations helps your baby understand the back-and-forth nature of conversation.
• 4 to 6 Months: This is often when you’ll notice more expressive sounds. Babies start to giggle and laugh, showing their delight. Crucially, they begin “vocal play” – experimenting with different pitches and volumes, often making sounds like “ooh,” “ahh,” and “guh.” This period is also characterized by early babbling, where they start to combine consonant-like and vowel-like sounds, although not yet in specific syllables. This stage is a critical precursor to understanding how to produce distinct speech sounds.

The Babbling Bridge: 6 to 12 Months

The babbling stage is a significant leap in speech development, often referred to as the “babbling bridge” because it connects pre-linguistic sounds to meaningful words.

• 7 to 10 Months: Around this time, babbling becomes more sophisticated. Babies begin to string together consonant-vowel combinations, such as “ba-ba-ba,” “ma-ma-ma,” and “da-da-da.” This is often referred to as “reduplicated babbling.” They’re not yet assigning meaning to these sounds, but they’re practicing the mechanics of speech. You’ll also notice “variegated babbling,” where they combine different sounds like “ba-da-ga.” Babies at this stage are also highly attuned to speech rhythms and intonation, mimicking the patterns of the language they hear. They will also start responding to their name and simple commands like “no-no.”
• 11 to 12 Months: As your child approaches their first birthday, their babbling may start to sound more like real words, even if they don’t have a consistent meaning. They might use gestures like waving “bye-bye” or pointing to request something. This is a clear indication that they are understanding more of the language around them and actively trying to communicate.

The First “Mama” or “Dada”: Around 12 Months

The moment a baby says their first recognizable word is truly unforgettable. For most children, this milestone occurs somewhere between 12 and 18 months. These first words are often simple, familiar nouns that are emotionally significant, such as “mama,” “dada,” “dog,” or “ball.”

• What Counts as a First Word? A true “first word” isn’t just a sound; it’s a sound that is consistently used to refer to a specific person, object, or action. For example, if your baby consistently says “ba” every time they see a ball, even if the pronunciation isn’t perfect, it counts as a word.
• Understanding and Imitation: At this stage, your child is also becoming much better at understanding language (receptive language) and imitating sounds and gestures. They might point to pictures in a book when you name them or follow simple one-step directions. This strong connection between understanding and attempting to speak is vital for continued development.

It’s important to remember that this timeline is an average. Some children may utter their first word a little earlier, others a little later. The key is to observe consistent progress in their attempts to communicate, whether through sounds, gestures, or early words.

Expanding Horizons: From Words to Phrases

Once those first words emerge, the journey toward more complex communication accelerates. The period from 12 months through the preschool years is characterized by an incredible explosion in vocabulary and the exciting development of combining words into phrases and sentences.

One Word Wonders: 12 to 18 Months

After their first word, toddlers typically enter a phase where their vocabulary grows steadily, albeit sometimes slowly at first.

• Vocabulary Growth: By 18 months, most toddlers will have a vocabulary of at least 10-20 words, and some may have many more. These words often include names of family members, favorite toys, common foods, and simple action words. While the number of words is important, observing that your child is adding new words regularly is often a better indicator of healthy development than hitting an exact count.
• Responding to Commands: At this age, toddlers are also becoming adept at following simple one-step directions, such as “Give me the ball” or “Come here.” Their receptive language skills are rapidly expanding, often outpacing their expressive language.
• Using Gestures with Words: You’ll notice they continue to rely heavily on gestures, often pairing them with their single words. For example, they might say “up” while raising their arms. This combination of verbal and non-verbal communication is a powerful way for them to express their wants and needs.

Two-Word Power: 18 to 24 Months

The ability to combine words is a major leap, signaling a deeper understanding of language structure.

• First Combinations: Between 18 and 24 months, many toddlers begin to string two words together. These early phrases are often short and direct, like “more milk,” “daddy go,” “big dog,” or “my toy.” This is an exciting sign that your child is starting to grasp basic grammar and syntax.
• Rapid Vocabulary Expansion: This period is often marked by a “vocabulary spurt,” where children may learn several new words each week. By their second birthday, many children have a vocabulary of 50 or more words, and often significantly more.
• Following Two-Step Directions: Their receptive language skills continue to advance, allowing them to understand and follow two-step directions, such as “Pick up the block and put it in the basket.”
• Pronunciation: While their communication is becoming clearer, pronunciation can still be unclear to those outside the immediate family. This is completely normal as they are still developing the fine motor skills for speech.

For parents whose 2-year-old is a “late talker” and might have a smaller vocabulary or isn’t consistently combining words, our quick 3-minute preliminary screener can offer immediate insights into their speech development and provide a personalized next-steps plan. It’s a great first step to understanding if your child could benefit from targeted support.

Building Sentences: 2 to 3 Years

By their third birthday, children’s language skills blossom dramatically, moving from simple phrases to more complex sentences and conversations.

• Three-Word Sentences and Beyond: Toddlers will start using three-word sentences and gradually build into longer, more grammatically complex structures. Examples include “Me want juice” or “Doggy is big.” They begin to incorporate pronouns (I, me, you), prepositions (in, on, under), and plural nouns.
• Asking Questions: The “why” and “what” questions emerge, indicating a blossoming curiosity about the world and a desire for information.
• Improved Intelligibility: Speech clarity generally improves significantly. While some sounds (like ‘r’, ‘l’, ‘s’, ‘th’) might still be challenging, family members and often strangers can understand most of what your child says.
• Basic Conversations: Your child will be able to engage in short conversations, express their feelings, and talk about past events. Their ability to tell simple stories begins to develop.

Key Speech Milestones by Age

While every child develops at their own pace, these general milestones provide a useful guide for what to expect during different age ranges. Remember, these are averages, and a child might hit some milestones earlier and others later. The overall trajectory of consistent progress is what truly matters.

Birth to 12 Months

• Birth-3 Months: Coos, gurgles, smiles, makes pleasure sounds, cries to indicate needs.
• 4-6 Months: Laughs, giggles, babbles with sounds like “puh,” “buh,” “muh,” vocalizes excitement.
• 7-12 Months: Babbles “mama” and “dada” without necessarily understanding the meaning, imitates speech sounds, responds to their name, uses gestures like waving bye-bye, says their first meaningful word around 12 months.

12 to 18 Months

• Vocabulary: Has at least 10-20 words, often including names of familiar objects and people.
• Understanding: Follows simple one-step directions (“Come here,” “Give me”).
• Communication: Points to show interest or to request, uses gestures, tries to imitate words you say.

18 to 24 Months

• Vocabulary: Has a vocabulary of 50-100 or more words.
• Combining Words: Starts combining two words into simple phrases (“more juice,” “daddy go”).
• Understanding: Follows two-step directions, identifies body parts and common objects when named.
• Speech Clarity: Family members usually understand about half of what the child says.

2 to 3 Years

• Vocabulary: Vocabulary expands rapidly to 200-1,000 words.
• Sentence Formation: Uses 3-4 word sentences, starts using pronouns (I, me, you) and plurals.
• Asking Questions: Asks “what” and “where” questions.
• Speech Clarity: Speech is understandable to familiar people most of the time; strangers may understand about 75% of what is said.
• Concepts: Understands spatial concepts (in, on, under) and descriptive words (big, happy).

3 to 5 Years

• Language Complexity: Uses longer, more complex sentences, tells simple stories, expresses ideas and feelings.
• Conversation: Engages in conversations, can answer “why” questions.
• Speech Clarity: Most speech sounds are clear, though some (like ‘r’, ‘s’, ‘th’, ‘l’) may still be developing fully. Strangers can generally understand most of what is said.
• Grammar: Uses correct grammar more consistently, understands time sequences.

Why Speech Development Varies: Understanding Individual Pace

It’s natural to compare your child’s development with peers, but it’s essential to understand that speech acquisition is not a race. There’s a wide spectrum of “normal,” and several factors contribute to a child’s unique developmental pace.

Genetic and Environmental Factors

• Individual Differences: Just like adults, children have different temperaments and learning styles. Some children are naturally more verbal, while others might be observers, focusing on motor skills or other areas of development before fully diving into expressive language.
• Family History: A family history of speech delays can sometimes indicate a predisposition, though it doesn’t guarantee a child will experience the same.
• Exposure to Language: A rich language environment, where children are consistently exposed to conversations, reading, and singing, plays a significant role. The more language a child hears and interacts with, the more opportunities they have to learn and practice.
• Overall Development: Speech development is intertwined with cognitive, social, and physical development. Delays in other areas can sometimes impact speech, and vice versa. For example, a child who has difficulty with fine motor skills might also struggle with the intricate movements of the mouth and tongue needed for clear speech.

The Bilingual Advantage

A common concern among parents is whether raising a child in a bilingual home will cause speech delays. Rest assured, the evidence consistently shows that bilingualism does not cause speech delays. In fact, it often offers a significant cognitive advantage!

• Total Vocabulary: Bilingual children may have a slightly smaller vocabulary in each individual language when compared to monolingual children, but their total conceptual vocabulary (words known across both languages) is typically the same or greater. For example, if a child knows “water” in English and “agua” in Spanish, they have two words for the same concept.
• Cognitive Benefits: Research indicates that bilingual children often develop stronger problem-solving skills, better executive function, and enhanced metalinguistic awareness (the ability to think about language itself).
• Normal Progression: Bilingual children follow the same speech development milestones as monolingual children, though the timing of certain milestones might vary slightly as their brains juggle two language systems. Celebrate the gift of multiple languages!

When Development Seems Slow: The Importance of Observation

While variability is normal, it’s also crucial for parents to be observant. Instead of fixating on rigid word counts, focus on your child’s overall communication attempts and their consistent progress.

• Consistency is Key: Is your child consistently adding new words each week or month? Are they trying new sounds? Are they responding to your attempts to communicate? If you see continuous growth and effort, that’s a positive sign.
• Beyond Words: Remember that communication isn’t just about spoken words. Gestures, facial expressions, pointing, and even sounds like humming or sighing are all important forms of communication.
• Receptive vs. Expressive Language: A child’s understanding of language (receptive language) often develops before their ability to produce it (expressive language). A child who understands a lot but speaks little may still be on a typical trajectory, but it’s something to monitor.

Empowering Your Child’s Voice: Strategies for Parents

As parents, you are your child’s first and most important language teacher. Creating a language-rich and interactive environment is paramount to fostering their speech development.

Engage and Respond: The Power of Interaction

The most powerful tool you have is your voice and your presence.

• Talk, Talk, Talk: Narrate your day. “Mommy is changing your diaper now.” “We’re going to the store to get some apples.” “Look at the big red car!” This “parallel talk” helps your child connect words to actions and objects.
• Respond and Expand: When your baby coos or babbles, respond as if they’re having a conversation. Repeat their sounds, then expand on them. If they say “ba-ba,” you can say, “Yes, baby! Ba-ba-ball!” If your toddler says “doggy,” you can say, “Yes, that’s a big, brown doggy! The doggy is running fast!” This expansion helps them hear more complex language.
• Face-to-Face Interaction: Get down to your child’s eye level. They learn language by watching your facial expressions and mouth movements. Make eye contact and engage directly.
• Wait for a Response: When you ask a question or make a comment, pause and give your child time to respond, whether with a sound, a gesture, or a word. This teaches them the back-and-forth of conversation.
• Offer Choices: Instead of just giving your child something, offer choices. “Do you want milk or water?” This encourages them to express their preferences verbally or through gestures.

Read, Sing, Play: Everyday Language Boosters

These beloved activities are natural language development powerhouses.

• Read Books Daily: Reading aloud exposes children to a vast vocabulary and different sentence structures. Point to pictures and name objects. Ask simple questions like, “Where’s the cat?” or “What does the cow say?” Encourage your child to turn pages and participate. Even just 10-15 minutes of reading a day can make a significant difference.
• Sing Songs and Nursery Rhymes: Songs and rhymes help children learn language rhythm, intonation, and new words. Actions associated with songs (like “Itsy Bitsy Spider”) connect words with movement, making learning more engaging.
• Engage in Play: Play is a child’s work, and it’s where much language learning happens.
  • Cause-and-Effect Toys: Toys that respond to a child’s actions (e.g., press a button, something pops up) teach them that their actions have consequences and can encourage vocalizations (“pop!”).
  • Imaginative Play: Engage in pretend play with your child. Use different voices for characters, describe what’s happening, and encourage them to direct the play. “Oh, the car is going vroom vroom! Where is it going now?” This builds narrative skills and vocabulary.

Making Screen Time “Smart Time”: How Speech Blubs Helps

While face-to-face interaction and traditional play are foundational, carefully chosen digital tools can powerfully supplement your child’s speech journey. At Speech Blubs, we believe in creating “smart screen time” experiences that are far removed from passive cartoon viewing.

• Our Unique Video Modeling Methodology: We were born from the personal experiences of our founders, who all grew up with speech problems and created the tool they wished they had. Our core methodology is video modeling, where children learn by watching and imitating their peers. This is based on scientific principles that leverage mirror neurons, making learning natural and highly effective. Instead of abstract images or adult voices, your child sees other children demonstrating words and sounds, making it relatable and motivating.
• Interactive and Engaging Activities: Speech Blubs offers hundreds of activities across various categories, designed to target specific speech sounds, words, and phrases.
  • Relatable Scenario: For a parent whose 3-year-old “late talker” loves animals but struggles with specific animal sounds, the “Animal Kingdom” section within Speech Blubs offers engaging video models where children practice “moo,” “baa,” and “roar” by watching and imitating their peers. This direct imitation bypasses frustration and builds confidence.
  • Relatable Scenario: If your 2-year-old is having trouble with expressive language and loves vehicles, our “Vehicles” section allows them to imitate sounds like “vroom” and “beep” by watching other children, making the learning process interactive and fun, unlike passive viewing.
• Fun, Not Frustration: Building Confidence: Our app is built on the principle of joyful learning. By creating an environment where children feel successful, we foster a love for communication and build self-esteem. It’s about empowering children to speak their minds and hearts, reducing the frustration that can often accompany speech challenges. We are committed to providing an immediate, effective, and joyful solution for the 1 in 4 children who need speech support.
• A Tool for Family Connection: Speech Blubs is designed for co-play. It’s a powerful tool for family connection, providing opportunities for you to engage with your child, imitate sounds together, and celebrate their progress side-by-side. It offers a screen-free alternative to passive viewing by encouraging interaction, not just observation. You can download Speech Blubs on the App Store or Google Play to explore these engaging activities.

Recognizing Red Flags: When to Seek Support

While children develop at varying rates, there are certain signs that might indicate a speech or language delay. Early intervention is key, as addressing concerns promptly can significantly improve outcomes. Trust your parental instincts; if something feels off, it’s always best to investigate.

Specific Milestones to Watch For

Here are some red flags that warrant a conversation with your pediatrician:

• By 12 Months:
  • No babbling, cooing, or attempts to imitate sounds.
  • Doesn’t respond to their name.
  • Doesn’t use gestures like pointing or waving bye-bye.
  • Doesn’t make eye contact or engage in social interaction.
• By 15 Months:
  • No clear first word.
  • Doesn’t respond to their name or familiar sounds.
  • Doesn’t point to show you things.
• By 18 Months:
  • Has fewer than 10-20 words in their vocabulary.
  • Doesn’t attempt to imitate words or gestures.
  • Doesn’t show interest in communicating.
• By 24 Months (2 Years):
  • Has fewer than 50 words in their vocabulary.
  • Doesn’t combine two words into phrases (e.g., “more milk”).
  • Doesn’t follow simple instructions.
  • Speech is difficult for family members to understand most of the time.
  • No consistent progress in learning new words or sounds.
• By 36 Months (3 Years):
  • Doesn’t use 3-word sentences.
  • Has difficulty understanding simple instructions or questions.
  • Speech is mostly unclear, even to family members.
  • Doesn’t engage in pretend play.
  • Has a sudden loss of speech or language skills at any age.

Trusting Your Gut: The Importance of Early Intervention

If you have concerns, don’t wait. Early identification and intervention are crucial for a child with speech and language challenges. The brain is most adaptable in early childhood, making it an optimal time for intervention. Addressing delays early can prevent secondary issues, such as academic difficulties or social-emotional challenges.

The Role of Professionals: When to Consult a Doctor or SLP

Your pediatrician is your first point of contact. They can assess your child’s overall development and, if necessary, provide a referral to a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for a comprehensive evaluation. An SLP can determine if there’s a delay or disorder and recommend appropriate next steps, which may include speech therapy.

• Preliminary Screener: If you’re unsure whether your child could benefit from professional guidance, our quick 3-minute preliminary screener is an excellent starting point. It involves 9 simple questions and provides an assessment and next-steps plan, along with a free 7-day trial of our app. It’s a valuable resource to help you understand your child’s current development and explore potential support options.
• Research-Backed Approach: Our unique video modeling methodology is backed by scientific principles and research, placing us in the top tier of speech apps worldwide. You can explore our research page to learn more about the science behind our effective approach.

Speech Blubs: A Partner in Your Child’s Speech Journey

At Speech Blubs, we understand the incredible impact that clear communication has on a child’s life. Our mission is to empower children to “speak their minds and hearts,” fostering confidence and reducing frustration in their communication journey.

Our Mission and Unique Approach

Our company was born from the personal experiences of our founders, who all grew up with speech problems. They created the tool they wished they had—a joyful, effective, and immediate solution for the 1 in 4 children who need speech support. We blend scientific principles with play, transforming screen time into a one-of-a-kind “smart screen time” experience. Our app serves as a powerful screen-free alternative to passive viewing (like cartoons), actively engaging children and promoting family connection through co-play.

Why Speech Blubs Stands Out

Our distinctive approach, rooted in video modeling, sets us apart. Children learn complex communication skills by watching and imitating their peers, a method scientifically proven to be highly effective. This peer-to-peer interaction capitalizes on mirror neuron activation, making learning intuitive and natural. We prioritize creating an environment where children feel successful, building their confidence step-by-step. We focus on benefits such as fostering a love for communication, building confidence, reducing frustration, developing key foundational skills, and creating joyful family learning moments. We are a powerful supplement to a child’s overall development plan and, when applicable, professional therapy.

You don’t just have to take our word for it; you can see what other parents are saying about their child’s success with Speech Blubs.

Affordable Support: Understanding Our Plans

We strive to make effective speech support accessible to every family. We offer transparent and flexible plans to suit your needs:

• Monthly Plan: For $14.99 per month, you get access to our core speech therapy activities and features.
• Yearly Plan: This is by far our best value, costing just $59.99 per year, which breaks down to an incredible $4.99 per month. Choosing the Yearly plan means you save 66% compared to the monthly option.

Exclusive Benefits of the Yearly Plan:

When you opt for the Yearly plan, you unlock a suite of premium features designed to enhance your child’s learning experience:

• 7-Day Free Trial: A full week to explore all our features and see the difference Speech Blubs can make, completely risk-free.
• The Extra Reading Blubs App: Expand your child’s literacy journey with our companion app, included exclusively with the Yearly plan.
• Early Access to New Updates: Be among the first to experience our latest features and improvements.
• 24-Hour Support Response Time: Get priority assistance whenever you need it.

The Monthly plan does not include these exclusive benefits. For the most comprehensive support, incredible savings, and the full suite of features, we highly recommend the Yearly plan.

Conclusion

The journey of speech development is a marvelous and intricate one, filled with countless small victories leading to the profound ability to communicate. From the earliest coos and babbles to those eagerly anticipated first words and beyond, every child’s path is unique. As parents, your active engagement, keen observation, and unwavering support are the most vital ingredients in nurturing your child’s voice.

Remember that while milestones provide a useful guide, it’s the consistent progress and the joy of communication that truly matter. Should you ever have concerns about your child’s speech, trusting your instincts and seeking professional advice promptly is always the wisest course of action.

At Speech Blubs, we are honored to be a part of this incredible journey with you and your child. We are dedicated to providing a scientifically-backed, playful, and effective solution to empower children to find their voice. Ready to embark on this adventure? Don’t miss out on the incredible value and exclusive features of our Yearly plan.

Create your account and begin your 7-day free trial today! We encourage you to select the Yearly plan to get the free trial and unlock the full suite of features, including the Reading Blubs app and priority support. You can also download Speech Blubs on the App Store or Google Play Store to get started!

Frequently Asked Questions

Should a 2-Year-Old Be Talking?

Yes, by 2 years old, most children should be talking. They typically have a vocabulary of at least 50 words and are beginning to combine two words into simple phrases like “more milk” or “daddy go.” While individual rates vary, consistent progress in vocabulary growth and attempts to combine words are key indicators of healthy development at this age.

What’s the Earliest a Child Can Talk?

While most babies say their first meaningful word around 12 months, some children may utter a recognizable word as early as 9 or 10 months. These early words are often simple, highly familiar words like “mama” or “dada.” However, this is less common, and development within the 12-18 month range is considered typical.

What Is the Average Age a Child Talks?

The average age for a child to say their first meaningful word is generally between 12 and 18 months. Before this, babies engage in extensive pre-linguistic communication, including cooing, gurgling, and babbling, which are crucial foundations for spoken language.

When Should You Worry if Your Child Is Not Talking?

You should consider consulting your pediatrician if your child is not babbling by 12 months, has no clear first word by 15-18 months, has fewer than 50 words or isn’t combining two words by 2 years old, or exhibits any sudden loss of speech or language skills at any age. It’s always best to discuss any concerns with a healthcare professional for an assessment.