Why Speech Development Matters
Language is the foundation of learning and social connection. Understanding speech milestones helps you support your child and spot delays early.
Speech Milestones by Age
0-6 Months
- Responds to voices and sounds
- Makes cooing and gurgling noises
6-12 Months
- Babbles with consonants such as ba-ba and da-da
- Responds to their own name
12-18 Months
- Says first words like mama, dada, no
- Vocabulary of 10-20 words by 18 months
2 Years
- Two-word phrases like more milk or daddy go
- Vocabulary of 50+ words
3-5 Years
- Full sentences of 4-6 words
- Tells simple stories and asks many questions
How to Encourage Speech
- Talk to your baby constantly and narrate daily activities
- Read aloud every day from birth
- Sing songs and nursery rhymes
- Limit screen time especially under age 2
If you have concerns about your child speech development, speak to your pediatrician early.