Signs of Speech Delay in 20 Month Old Toddlers

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What Communication Looks Like at 20 Months
3. Signs of Speech Delay in 20 Month Old Toddlers
4. The Difference Between Speech and Language
5. Why Early Intervention Matters
6. How Speech Blubs Supports Development
7. Practical Ways to Boost Speech at Home
8. When to Seek Professional Advice
9. Transparency in Our Pricing and Value
10. Conclusion
11. Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

Did you know that nearly one in four children will face a challenge with speech and language development at some point in their early years? If you have noticed that your 20-month-old isn't quite as chatty as the other kids at the playground, or if you find yourself constantly playing a guessing game to figure out what they want, you are not alone. It is completely natural to feel a mix of concern, curiosity, and even a bit of frustration when your little one isn't "speaking their mind and heart" just yet.

At Speech Blubs, we understand these feelings deeply because our company was born from them. Our founders all grew up with speech problems and created the very tool they wished they had as children. We believe that communication is the foundation of a child’s world, and our mission is to provide an immediate, effective, and joyful solution for families navigating the complexities of early language development. We focus on "smart screen time," transforming the digital experience from passive viewing into an interactive, peer-led learning journey.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the specific signs of speech delay in 20 month old children. We will explore what typical communication looks like at this age, identify the red flags that suggest it might be time for extra support, and discuss the science-backed ways you can foster a love for talking right in your own living room. Our goal isn't to provide a clinical diagnosis, but to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to support your child’s unique journey. By the end of this post, you will have a clearer understanding of how to bridge the gap between silence and those first beautiful sentences.

What Communication Looks Like at 20 Months

The age of 20 months is a fascinating "in-between" stage. Your child is no longer a baby, but they aren't quite a full-blown "terrible twos" toddler either. Developmentally, this is a period of rapid cognitive growth. While every child follows their own internal clock, there is a general roadmap that most toddlers follow as they approach the two-year mark.

At 20 months, most toddlers are beginning to move beyond single words. They are starting to understand that words are tools they can use to get what they want. While a 12-month-old might say "mama" and a 15-month-old might say "ball," a 20-month-old is often on the cusp of putting those ideas together.

Typical Expressive Milestones

Expressive language refers to the words and sounds your child actually produces. By 20 months, a child typically:

• Uses between 10 to 50 words consistently (though the range is wide).
• Begins to imitate new words they hear from you or siblings.
• Attempts to name familiar objects, people, and body parts.
• May start experimenting with two-word combinations like "more juice" or "daddy up."
• Uses a variety of consonant sounds (like p, b, m, n, and d).

Typical Receptive Milestones

Receptive language is what your child understands. Interestingly, receptive language almost always develops faster than expressive language. You might notice that your 20-month-old can follow a simple, one-step instruction like "go get your shoes" or "give me the ball," even if they cannot say those words themselves. They should also be able to point to a few body parts when asked and recognize the names of familiar people and household items.

If you are curious about where your child stands, we invite you to take our quick 3-minute preliminary screener. It consists of 9 simple questions and provides a personalized assessment and next-steps plan to help you understand your child's current communication level.

Signs of Speech Delay in 20 Month Old Toddlers

While there is a "range of normal," there are specific indicators that a child might be experiencing a delay. A speech delay simply means a child is developing speech skills at a slower rate than their peers. Recognizing these signs early is vital because early intervention is one of the most effective ways to help a child catch up.

The Major Red Flags

If you observe the following behaviors in your 20-month-old, it is a good idea to consult with your pediatrician:

1. Limited Vocabulary: If your child is using fewer than 10 meaningful words, this is a primary sign to watch. Meaningful words include names (Mama, Dada), objects (ball, car), and even consistent word-approximations (like "ba" for bottle).
2. Lack of Imitation: Most 20-month-olds are little "parrots." If your child shows no interest in trying to copy the sounds or words you make, it may indicate they are struggling to process or produce speech.
3. Preference for Gestures Over Speech: It is normal to point, but by 20 months, children should be trying to pair those points with vocalizations. If your child relies only on grunting or leading you by the hand without attempting words, they may be stuck in a non-verbal communication phase.
4. Not Following Simple Directions: If your child seems unable to understand basic requests like "sit down" or "bring me the book," it could suggest a receptive language delay or a potential hearing issue.
5. Limited Consonant Variety: At this age, speech shouldn't just be vowels (like "ah-ah"). You should be hearing "bababa," "dadada," and "mamama." A lack of consonant sounds can make it difficult for them to form actual words later on.

"Early intervention isn't about fixing something that is broken; it's about providing the right environment and tools so a child's natural abilities can flourish. Every word gained is a frustration lost."

If you notice these signs, remember that it is not a reflection of your parenting. Delays happen for many reasons, from ear infections to simple "late blooming." You can learn more about our methodology and why our approach works by visiting the Speech Blubs research page.

The Difference Between Speech and Language

It is common to use the terms "speech" and "language" interchangeably, but in the world of child development, they mean two different things. Understanding the difference can help you identify exactly where your child might need help.

What is Speech?

Speech refers to the actual physical act of making sounds. This includes:

• Articulation: How we make speech sounds using our mouth, lips, and tongue.
• Voice: How we use our vocal folds and breath to make sounds.
• Fluency: The rhythm of our speech (stuttering, for example, is a fluency issue).

A child with a speech delay might know exactly what they want to say, but they have trouble physically forming the sounds, making them hard to understand.

What is Language?

Language is much broader. It refers to the whole system of giving and getting information. It involves:

• Expressive Language: Sharing thoughts, ideas, and feelings using words, gestures, or writing.
• Receptive Language: Understanding what others say or write.

A child with a language delay might be able to pronounce words perfectly, but they may only have a few words in their vocabulary or struggle to put them together into a phrase.

At Speech Blubs, we address both. Our app uses a unique "video modeling" technique where children watch other children speak. This activates "mirror neurons" in the brain, encouraging the child to first imitate the facial movements (speech) and then the concepts and words (language).

Why Early Intervention Matters

There is an old school of thought that suggests parents should just "wait and see" if a child catches up. However, modern research consistently shows that waiting is rarely the best strategy. The toddler brain is incredibly "plastic," meaning it is at its most receptive to learning and forming new neural connections.

Addressing signs of speech delay in 20 month old children early can:

• Reduce Frustration: Many toddler tantrums are actually the result of an inability to communicate needs. When a child can say "milk" instead of screaming for it, their world becomes much calmer.
• Build Confidence: Children who struggle to communicate may withdraw from social situations. Early support helps them feel capable and connected.
• Prepare for School: Language skills are the primary building blocks for literacy and social success in the classroom.
• Identify Underlying Issues: Sometimes, a speech delay is a symptom of something else, like a mild hearing loss due to fluid in the ears. Early screening helps catch these issues before they cause significant setbacks.

Our mission is to empower you to be your child's best teacher. To see how other families have navigated this journey and found success, read our parent testimonials.

How Speech Blubs Supports Development

We believe that learning should be joyful, not a chore. That is why we created a tool that feels like a game but is built on solid scientific principles. We provide a "smart screen time" experience that is the opposite of passive cartoon watching. Instead of your child zoning out, they are actively engaging with a peer on the screen.

The Power of Video Modeling

Children are hardwired to learn from other children. In our app, your child will see a "peer model"—a real child—performing a speech exercise. Whether it’s making a "moo" sound or saying "apple," seeing a face that looks like theirs makes the task feel achievable and fun.

For a parent whose 20-month-old loves animals, the "Animal Kingdom" section of the app is a perfect starting point. Instead of just looking at a picture of a cow, your child sees another child making the "Mmm-ooo" sound. This peer-to-peer connection is much more motivating than an adult simply telling them what to do.

Building Family Connection

While our app is a powerful tool, it works best when you are part of the process. We encourage "co-playing." You can sit with your child, mimic the sounds together, and then carry those sounds over into your daily life. It’s about creating joyful family learning moments that extend far beyond the screen.

Ready to start this journey? You can download Speech Blubs on the App Store or get it on Google Play today.

Practical Ways to Boost Speech at Home

In addition to using Speech Blubs, there are countless ways to turn your daily routine into a language-rich environment. You don't need fancy toys or expensive equipment; you just need a little intentionality.

1. Narrate Your Life

Think of yourself as a sports commentator for your child's day. Talk about what you are doing as you do it.

• "I am washing the red apple."
• "Now I am putting on your blue socks. One sock, two socks!"
• "The water is warm. Splash, splash!"

2. The "Expansion" Technique

If your child says a single word, repeat it back to them and add one more word. This shows them how to build phrases.

• If they say "Car," you say "Big car!"
• If they say "Eat," you say "Eat banana!"

3. Offer Choices

Instead of asking open-ended questions that they can't answer yet, or simply giving them what they need, offer a choice.

• "Do you want the juice or the milk?" (Hold up both items so they can see them).
• Even if they just point, you can model the word: "Oh, you want the juice! Here is the juice."

4. Read, Read, Read

Books are a goldmine for language. At 20 months, you don't even have to read the words on the page. Point to the pictures and talk about them. Ask your child, "Where is the doggy?" and celebrate when they find it.

5. Create "Communication Temptations"

Sometimes we are too good at anticipating our children's needs. If you know they want a cracker, wait a few seconds before giving it to them. Look at them expectantly. This creates a "temptation" for them to make a sound or use a word to get what they want.

When to Seek Professional Advice

While home activities and "smart screen time" are incredibly beneficial, they are supplements to—not replacements for—professional medical advice. If you are concerned about signs of speech delay in 20 month old toddlers, your first stop should always be your pediatrician.

A professional evaluation by a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) can provide a comprehensive look at your child's:

• Hearing (to rule out fluid or hearing loss).
• Oral-motor skills (how the muscles in the mouth are working).
• Receptive and expressive language levels.

In the United States, every state has an "Early Intervention" program that provides free or low-cost evaluations and therapy for children under the age of three. You do not need a doctor’s referral to call them and ask for an evaluation.

Transparency in Our Pricing and Value

We want to be your long-term partner in your child's development. To build a foundation of trust, we are transparent about our pricing and the value we provide. We offer two main plans to fit your family's needs:

• Monthly Plan: $14.99 per month. This is a great way to test the waters and see how your child responds to our video modeling.
• Yearly Plan: $59.99 per year. This is our clear best-value choice, breaking down to just $4.99 per month.

When you choose the Yearly Plan, you don't just save 66% compared to the monthly rate. You also gain access to exclusive features designed to accelerate your child's progress:

• A 7-day free trial to ensure the app is the right fit for your family.
• The Reading Blubs app, which focuses on the next step of the journey: literacy and phonics.
• Early access to all new updates and content.
• Priority 24-hour support response time from our dedicated team.

The Monthly plan does not include the free trial or the Reading Blubs app, which is why we highly recommend the Yearly plan for families committed to seeing real progress over time.

To get started with the full suite of features and your free trial, you can create your account on our website.

Conclusion

Recognizing the signs of speech delay in 20 month old children is the first, most important step toward empowering your child to find their voice. Whether your little one is a "late talker" who just needs a gentle nudge or a child who requires more structured support, know that there is a path forward filled with joy and connection.

By combining attentive parenting, simple at-home strategies, and the science-backed "smart screen time" of Speech Blubs, you are giving your child a powerful foundation for communication. Remember, the goal isn't perfection—it's progress. Every new sound, every pointed finger paired with a grunt, and every new word is a victory worth celebrating.

We invite you to join our community of over 5 million parents who have chosen to turn screen time into a bridge for communication. Start your journey today and help your child speak their mind and heart.

Ready to see the difference for yourself? Sign up for our Yearly plan today to get your 7-day free trial, the bonus Reading Blubs app, and full access to our peer-led video modeling library. Let’s start talking!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many words should a 20-month-old be saying?

While there is a wide range, most 20-month-olds use between 10 and 50 words. However, the quality of communication is often more important than the specific word count. Are they trying to imitate you? Are they using gestures to communicate? If they have fewer than 10 words and aren't using gestures or imitating sounds, it is worth looking into further support.

2. Can screen time actually help with speech delay?

Not all screen time is created equal. Passive viewing, like watching cartoons, does not encourage speech. However, "smart screen time" that utilizes video modeling—where a child watches and imitates a peer—is a scientifically recognized method for encouraging speech. Speech Blubs is designed specifically to be an interactive tool that fosters imitation and family connection.

3. Does a speech delay mean my child has autism?

Not necessarily. While a delay in speech can be one sign of autism, many children with speech delays do not have autism. Speech delays can be caused by hearing issues, oral-motor challenges, or simply a slower developmental pace. A professional evaluation is the only way to determine the underlying cause of a delay.

4. What is the best way to help my 20-month-old talk more at home?

The best way is to make communication fun and functional. Narrate your day, offer simple choices between two items, and use the "expansion" technique (adding one word to whatever they say). Most importantly, sit down and play with them! Using tools like Speech Blubs together can provide the structured imitation practice they need while keeping the experience joyful and stress-free.