Understanding Speech and Language Development

From the moment a baby is born, they begin absorbing knowledge rapidly, learning by observing and interacting with the world around them

A baby’s first communication, the very first form of child language, is a primitive cry, which they quickly learn will get their needs met. But within months, babies begin to focus on their parents' speech and develop their language skills.

In fact, children do the most learning during their first three years of life, which is a critical period for language development. During this time, their brains soak up every sight and sound, developing at an astonishing pace.

As a parent, you can help foster your child’s skills by creating a language-rich environment and monitoring your child’s language development.

Stages of Speech and Language Development:

Below, we’ve outlined typical milestones to help you monitor your child’s progress, along with strategies to support their growth. While reviewing this language development chart, keep in mind that every baby is unique and acquires these skills at their own pace.

If you have a question about whether something is normal, talk to your child’s pediatrician.

Age	Milestones	Support Strategies
0-3 Months	Baby coos. Baby reacts to loud sounds. Baby responds to parent’s voice.	Talk and sing to your baby frequently. Respond to your baby’s coos and babbles to encourage interaction.
4-6 Months	Baby looks in the direction of sounds. Baby enjoys toys that make noise and music. Baby starts babbling using consonant sounds, like “ba-ba-ba” or “da-da-da.”	Keep talking, playing, and singing! Introduce toys that make sounds to stimulate interest.
7-12 Months	Baby turns and looks in the direction of sounds. Baby responds to their name. Baby understands basic words like “more,” “bye-bye,” “bottle” and may respond to simple commands like “no.” Baby plays games like peek-a-boo. Baby uses gestures (like pointing, reaching for “up” and shaking head) to communicate. Baby babbles using long strings of consonants and vowels. Many babies say their first word around the one-year mark.	Read to your baby using books with large, colorful pictures. Label objects as you move about your day and encourage your baby to try out the sounds. (“This is a cup. Can you say cup?”)
1-2 Years	Baby (who’s not such a baby anymore!) continues to add words to their vocabulary, reaching approximately 50 words by 24 months. Child can string together two-word sentences, like “Want more” or “Hold me.” Child can point to some body parts, group familiar objects, and make animal sounds. Child can respond to simple questions (such as “What’s that?”) and follow one-step directions (such as “Pick up the ball.”)	Listen actively and continue to engage with your child on their own level. Nod, smile, and ask questions to encourage them to keep talking. Encourage naming objects and actions in daily routines. Challenge your child with toys, tasks, and games that require some thinking or planning.
2-3 Years	Child can form three to four-word sentences and has a vocabulary of at least a hundred words. Child can express themselves or label items as needed. Child can answer simple questions and respond to two-step commands (such as “Pick up the ball and bring it here.”) People who know your child can understand their pronunciation, even if it’s challenging at times.	Arrange playdates or group activities to provide opportunities for your child to practice their communication skills with other kids. Continue reading and storytelling, asking your child questions about the stories as you go along.
3-4 Years	Child’s sentences become more complex, and they can tell stories with greater fluency. Child can speak about ideas and feelings, in addition to making literal observations. Child can recall past experiences and describe imaginary events. Strangers can understand most of what your child says.	Encourage your child to talk about their day. Enter your child’s world by engaging in pretend play and imaginary stories. Continue expanding their vocabulary by reading, socializing, and singing together.

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When to Seek Professional Help

While every child develops at their own pace, missing or delayed milestones might indicate a need for professional evaluation. And if you notice loss of hearing, speech, babbling, or social skills at any age, contact your pediatrician.

Your child’s doctor may refer you to a speech pathologist or audiologist, who can help assess the cause and develop a path forward. Early interventions are often the most effective, so it’s wise to reach out early.

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