Just when should you expect those magical first words? It’s a question that sparks both excitement and anxiety for many parents. In child development, the timeline for when toddlers start talking can vary more than you might think—and the signs to watch for might surprise you.
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Language Starts Before Words: The First Signs of Communication
Although it might seem that babies have little to say, communication begins from the very first day. Even before saying their first word, babies are already sending messages. Recognizing these early signs can help parents support language growth right from the start.
Crying as the First Communication Tool
From birth, crying is the first and clearest form of communication. Through crying, babies express that something is wrong or needed. Crying can signal:
- Hunger
- Discomfort (wet diaper, feeling cold or hot)
- Fatigue
- Need for physical contact or comfort
Babies quickly learn that crying brings a response: they are fed, held, or soothed. This experience teaches them that communicating a need leads to action from their environment.
Gestures and Expressions
As babies grow, they start using gestures and facial expressions as part of their communication. These visual signals reinforce their intentions even before they can form words.
This kind of nonverbal communication shows that babies are developing social and emotional awareness, both essential parts of learning to speak.
Recognizing Important Sounds
Before speaking, babies begin to recognize familiar voices and sounds. The caregiver’s voice becomes a meaningful stimulus. This early recognition shows that the child is processing and storing auditory information, a key step toward verbal language development.
Babbling
Another clear sign that a child is preparing to speak is babbling. Repetitive sounds like “ba-ba” or “da-da” are part of this experimental phase. While not yet meaningful words, this practice strengthens the coordination between breathing, tongue movement, and lips.
Noticing these early signs allows parents to actively and lovingly support their child’s language growth. Recognizing that every sound and gesture has meaning creates opportunities for connection and prepares the way for words to emerge naturally.
What Speech Milestones Can You Expect From 12 to 36 Months?
Between 12 and 36 months, children go through rapid and remarkable changes in speech development. In just two years, many children move from making isolated sounds and single words to building simple sentences, asking questions, and using pronouns.
Every child follows their own path, but knowing typical speech milestones can help parents recognize progress or areas where extra support might be needed.
| Age | Speech Skills Observed |
| 12 months | Imitates words, says “mama,” “dada,” responds to sounds, understands instructions |
| 18 months | Says up to 10 words, follows gestures, recognizes names and body parts |
| 24 months | Uses simple phrases, says 50+ words, asks basic questions |
| 36 months | Forms three-word sentences, uses plurals and pronouns, asks more complex questions |
Talking with your child daily, reading books together, singing songs, and teaching animal sounds are effective ways to encourage language development. Repeating their sounds, showing excitement when they attempt to speak, and including them in simple conversations helps strengthen their communication skills.
When to Be Concerned and What to Do If Your Toddler Isn’t Talking
Some children start speaking later than others. Certain signs may suggest that additional support is needed. Early detection of a possible speech delay can make a big difference in a child’s development.
Below are common warning signs and steps parents can take if they are concerned about their child’s speech.
When to Worry?
Speech milestones vary, but if you notice any of the following according to your child’s age, it’s a good idea to seek professional advice:
Before 12 months:
- No response to sounds
- No babbling
- No gestures like pointing or waving
Between 18 and 24 months:
- Does not use words or phrases spontaneously
- Only imitates sounds or words without functional use
- Does not understand simple instructions
- Has difficulty imitating sounds
After 2 years:
- Does not form two-word phrases
- Speech is not understandable even to close family members
- Does not narrate simple events or use articles and prepositions
- Struggles to follow basic instructions
- Uses unusual tone or pronunciation
- Does not recognize colors, greet others, or answer basic questions
What to Do If You Notice a Delay
If there are any concerns, taking action is key. Here’s a simple guide:
- Talk to the doctor: Share your concerns with your child’s pediatrician. They may ask specific questions or have you complete a developmental questionnaire.
- Request an evaluation: The doctor may refer you to a language specialist for a detailed speech assessment.
- Start early intervention: Beginning treatment early can greatly improve long-term outcomes.
- Stimulate speech at home: Read, sing, play, and talk with your child often. Repeat their sounds and show enthusiasm for their communication attempts.
- Speech therapy: Depending on the diagnosis, individual or group speech therapy sessions may be recommended.
- Get home guidance: A speech specialist can provide practical advice tailored to your child’s needs.
- Explore other causes if needed: If there’s little or no progress, a hearing evaluation or broader developmental assessment might be necessary.
While every child develops language skills at their own pace, recognizing warning signs early can help support communication and overall well-being. If your two-year-old is hard to understand or not speaking, reaching out for professional guidance can make all the difference.
Supporting Your Toddler’s Speech Through Therapy and Daily Interaction
Language growth happens every day at home through small interactions that add up over time. Active parent participation matters. Following the therapist’s recommendations, practicing techniques at home, and staying in communication about your child’s progress creates a strong support network that builds trust and boosts development.
Talking with your child about their activities, reading books with repetitive images, singing songs, and playing imitation or role-playing games all encourage speech development in a fun way. Speaking clearly and using varied vocabulary while describing things seen and done creates an environment where your child feels safe and eager to communicate.
Some days may bring big leaps forward and others may seem slower, but every attempt to communicate counts. Seeking help when necessary, staying present, and being consistently supportive are some of the most valuable gifts a parent can offer throughout this journey.
Sources:
- Paul, R., & Shiffer, M. E. (1991). Communicative initiations in normal and late-talking toddlers. Applied Psycholinguistics, 12(4), 419-431.
- Thal, D. J., Bates, E., Goodman, J., & Jahn‐Samilo, J. (1997). Continuity of language abilities: An exploratory study of late‐and early‐talking toddlers. Developmental neuropsychology, 13(3), 239-273.