As a parent, one of the most exciting milestones is hearing your child’s first words. You may be wondering when you can expect your son to start talking and what is considered normal speech development. While every child learns at their own pace, there are general guidelines for speech milestones that can give you an idea of what to expect.
What are the first word milestones?
Here is an overview of the typical first word milestones:
- Around 12 months – Says first word
- 15-18 months – Has a vocabulary of 2-3 words
- 18-24 months – Has a vocabulary of around 50 words
Keep in mind that these are averages and some children will develop language skills earlier or later than these timeframes. Premature babies, for example, often reach speech milestones later. If your child is not saying any words by 18 months, consult your pediatrician.
What are some typical first words?
The first words spoken by babies are often:
- Dada, mama, baba – names for parents or bottle
- Uh oh – an exclamation
- No – for negation or refusal
- Bye – waving goodbye
- Dog, cat – naming pets or animals
- Hi, hello – greeting others
Your child’s first words will depend on what they encounter and hear frequently. Their early vocabulary will be based on their individual experiences and environment.
Why is babbling important?
In the early stages of speech development, you will notice your child experimenting with sounds in a stage called babbling. Babbling involves repeating consonant and vowel sounds like “ba ba ba” or “goo.” This stage starts around 4-6 months and continues until they say their first word around 12 months. Babbling allows your child to practice making sounds and develop the motor skills required for speech. Respond to your child’s babbling to encourage further vocal play.
What are signs my child may have a speech delay?
While every child develops at a different pace, the following signs after 18 months may indicate a need to have your child’s speech evaluated by a pediatrician or speech pathologist:
- No first words by 18 months
- Does not combine 2 words by 24 months (e.g. “mama go”)
- Family has trouble understanding their speech by 24 months
- Frequent ear infections or hearing issues
- Reached other milestones late such as sitting, crawling, or walking
Early intervention can make a big difference if your child needs speech therapy or treatment for hearing problems. It is best to have your child’s speech evaluated even if you have small concerns.
How can I encourage my child’s speech development?
You play a key role in helping your child reach speech milestones. Here are some tips:
- Respond to your child’s coos, babbling, and first words to build communication
- Have back-and-forth “conversations” even if your child only makes sounds
- Repeat your child’s sounds and say the word clearly
- Read books and name pictures together
- Limit screen time and maximize face-to-face interaction
- Sing songs and rhymes which expose your child to language
- Narrate your day and activities to introduce new vocabulary
The more you engage your child and stimulate their language development, the faster their speech skills will grow.
What are normal speech patterns as my child learns to talk?
As your child progresses from first words to sentences, their speech will develop in phases. Here are some characteristics of normal speech at different ages:
| Age | Speech Patterns |
|---|---|
| 12-18 months |
|
| 18-24 months |
|
| 2-3 years |
|
Keep in mind that while these patterns are typical, there is a wide range of normal. Focus more on your child’s progress than comparing them to averages. Talk to your pediatrician if you have concerns.
What speech problems should I look out for?
While some speech errors are a normal part of learning, certain speech problems may need treatment if they persist past age 4. Here are some to look out for:
- Stuttering – Repetition of sounds, syllables, or words. May get worse when excited or tired.
- Lisping – Difficulty pronouncing s, z, sh, ch, and j sounds.
- Hoarse voice – Harsh, raspy, or strained voice.
- Slurred speech – Difficulty controlling mouth muscles resulting in mumbled or jumbled speech.
- Problems with articulation – Trouble pronouncing certain letters or letter combinations correctly, like “wabbit” for “rabbit”.
If your child exhibits any of these issues consistently, raise your concerns with your pediatrician and request a speech evaluation. Early intervention can correct many speech problems.
When should I seek help for possible speech delay?
Use the following guidelines for seeking professional help if your child’s speech seems delayed:
- No first words by 15-18 months
- Less than 2-word phrases by 24 months
- Family members cannot understand at least half of their speech by 30 months
- Still has significant trouble pronouncing words by age 4
- Speech is unclear to strangers by age 4
- Quiet, will not speak, or seems frustrated trying to communicate
Early intervention is key for treating speech delays. Your pediatrician can provide a referral for a speech-language pathologist who can evaluate your child’s language skills and determine if therapy is needed. Acting early on delays improves outcomes.
Conclusion
The speech milestones from first words through conversing in sentences come steadily in the first few years. While each child masters language at their own pace, keep the developmental stages in mind and act quickly if you suspect your child needs help. With your support and intervention if necessary, your son’s ability to communicate will take great leaps in these formative years.