Speech milestones chart
What children typically understand and say from birth to 5, based on CDC and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) guidance.
| Age | Understands | Says |
|---|---|---|
| 0–3 months | Startles at loud sounds; quiets or smiles when spoken to | Coos, makes pleasure sounds; different cries for different needs |
| 4–6 months | Moves eyes toward sounds; notices toys that make sounds | Babbles with p, b and m sounds; giggles and laughs; takes turns making sounds |
| 7–12 months | Turns to own name; understands “no”; recognises words like “cup” or “shoe” | Babbles long strings (“mamama”, “bababa”); waves; first word around 12 months |
| 12–18 months | Points to a few body parts; follows one-step directions with gestures | Says several single words; points to ask for things |
| 18–24 months | Follows simple one-step directions without gestures; points to pictures when named | Around 50 words by 24 months; starts two-word phrases (“more milk”) |
| 2–3 years | Understands opposites (go/stop, big/little); follows two-step directions | Two- and three-word sentences; familiar adults understand most of it |
| 3–4 years | Answers who, what, where questions; hears you from another room | Four-word sentences; talks about their day; most people understand them |
| 4–5 years | Understands order words (first, next, last) and time words | Tells stories with detail; uses rhymes; most speech sounds clear |
Understanding comes first
Children understand far more words than they can say, often by months. A toddler who follows “get your shoes” but says only a few words is on a different path from one who doesn't respond to words at all. That's why pediatricians ask about both.
Everyday ways to build language
- Narrate. “Now we're putting on your red sock.”
- Wait. Pause 5 seconds after a question. Toddlers need time to answer.
- Expand. Repeat what they said and add a word.
- Read the same book again. Repetition is how new words stick.
- Keep screens limited. Back-and-forth talk with people is what builds language (AAP).
When to ask for a speech or hearing check
Call your pediatrician today
- No babbling by 9 months or no response to name by 12 months
- No words by 16 months or no two-word phrases by 24 months
- Losing words or skills they had
- Not understood by familiar adults at 3 years
- Any concern about hearing (frequent ear infections, not reacting to sounds)
General guidance based on AAP, NHS and CDC advice, not a diagnosis. If your gut says something is wrong, call your pediatrician or nurse line. You never need permission to seek care.
Full development checklists for each age are in milestones by age.
Questions parents ask
How many words should a 2-year-old say?
The CDC’s 30-month checklist lists about 50 words, and by 2 years most children combine two words. Fewer than 50 words or no word combinations at 24 months is worth raising with your pediatrician.
Do bilingual children talk later?
No. ASHA notes bilingual children reach milestones on a similar timeline. They may mix languages, which is normal. Count words across both languages.
What helps a late talker?
Talk through your day, name what they look at, read together, pause to give them a turn, and expand what they say (“car” → “blue car!”). If you’re concerned, ask for a hearing test and a speech-language evaluation; you don’t need to wait.