Unlocking language milestones: how many words should your child have at each age?

 

As parents, we eagerly await our child’s first words, cherishing each milestone along the way. But have you ever wondered “how many words should my child have at each age?” Language development is a fascinating journey that varies from child to child. Understanding the typical language milestones can help us gauge our child’s progress and identify any potential delays.

In this article, we will unlock the language milestones and provide insights into the average number of words your child should have at each age. We will also discuss additional factors to monitor other than word count that are just as important when thinking about your child’s language development.

From the adorable babbling of their early months to the rapid expansion of their vocabulary in their toddler years, we’ll explore the exciting linguistic journey that our little ones embark upon. So, whether you’re a first-time parent or have been through this before, join us as we delve into the world of language development and discover the key markers that guide us on this incredible journey with our children.

Language Development in Infants and Babies (12 months-15 months)

During the first year of life, babies go through remarkable language development. They start with cooing and babbling, gradually progressing to using their first words. By the time they reach 12-15 months, most infants can understand simple instructions and communicate their basic needs through gestures and a few words. However, it’s important to note that every child develops at their own pace, so there is no need to worry if your child’s progress differs slightly from the average.

At around 7-9 months, babies begin to produce repetitive syllables (known as reduplicated babbling) like “ba-ba” and “da-da,” which are often their first attempts at imitating sounds they hear. This babbling stage is crucial as it helps babies practice the motor skills necessary for speech production. It is important that babies also develop this skill as babies need to be “noisy” and understand how they use their voice to be able to use it purposefully to get their needs met. As they approach 12 months, their babbling becomes more intentional, with some consonant-vowel combinations resembling real words. At this age, babies will begin to use word approximations such as “ba” for “ball” or “m” for “milk”. They can also understand and respond to familiar words and phrases, such as “clap your hands” or “blow kisses”. They will also begin to follow simple routine directions that occur every day such as “get your shoes” or “time to eat”.

It’s important to engage in frequent verbal interactions with your child during this period. Talk to them, read books together, and sing songs. This not only exposes them to a variety of words but also helps develop their listening skills and understanding of language. Children need to understand language before they will be able to use it. Remember, the key is to create a language-rich environment that stimulates their curiosity and encourages their communication skills to flourish.

Language Development in Toddlers (18 months)

As toddlers enter the second year of life, their language development takes significant leaps forward. By 18 months, most toddlers can understand and follow simple instructions without use of cues (pointing to the object when naming it), point to body parts when asked, and name a few common objects. They are also able to use a growing number of words to express their needs, wants, and emotions.

At this stage, toddlers will be able to understand simple questions such as “where’s doggy?” as well as answer simple yes/no questions when asked. They will begin to answer questions such as “what’s this?” and make a choice when given two options. They may begin to use the question “what’s that?” when interacting with others. You may not be able to understand what they are saying, but you will likely know by the intonation of their voice and their pitch going up at the end of the question. They start to experiment with pronouns like “me” and “mine” and use a variety of words such as nouns, verbs and adjectives. However, it’s important to note that their speech may still be somewhat unclear, and they may struggle with certain sounds.

To support their language development, continue to provide a language-rich environment and engage in meaningful conversations with your toddler. Encourage them to use words to express themselves, but also be patient and understanding as they navigate through this exciting phase of language acquisition. Reading books with colorful pictures and singing nursery rhymes can also be effective ways to enhance their vocabulary and language skills.

Language Development in Toddlers (2 years)

Between the ages of 2 and 3, toddlers experience a language explosion. Their vocabulary expands rapidly, and they become more proficient in using words to communicate their thoughts and feelings. By the time they turn 2, most toddlers can understand simple questions and follow two-step instructions. They can name familiar objects and animals, and even use some basic prepositions like “in” and “on.” They can also combine two to three words together to form a short phrase such as “mama go up” or “more water”. They should be able to imitate (or attempt to imitate) most words or short phrases that you say (so watch what you say around them! 😉 )

They can engage in simple conversations and express their preferences. While their speech may still contain grammatical errors, they are able to make themselves understood by others. They also start to use pronouns correctly, such as “I,” “you,” and “he/she.” They will begin to answer a variety of WH questions (“who….?”, “what….?”, “where….?”) as well as ask them.

To nurture their language development, encourage your toddler to engage in pretend play and storytelling. This helps them practice using language in different contexts and promotes their imagination and creativity. Expand on their sentences and introduce new vocabulary to enhance their language skills further. Most importantly, continue to provide a supportive and encouraging environment that fosters their love for language and communication.

Language Development in Preschoolers (3-5 years)

Preschool years mark a critical period for language development. During this stage, children refine their language skills, expand their vocabulary, and gain a deeper understanding of grammar and syntax. By the age of 3, most preschoolers can understand more complex instructions and follow simple directions without assistance. They can engage in longer conversations, express their thoughts and feelings, and ask questions about the world around them.

At this age, preschoolers typically have a vocabulary of several hundred words and can use sentences with four or more words. They begin to understand concepts like opposites, colors, and numbers. Their speech becomes more fluent and grammatically correct, although they may still make occasional errors with verb tenses or pronouns as well as specific speech sounds (for more information on this, check out this blog post). As they continue to grow and develop they will begin to understand more complex questions such as “why….?” and “how….?” as well as use them to ask others.

To support their language development, engage your preschooler in meaningful conversations and encourage their curiosity. Ask open-ended questions and provide opportunities for them to express their ideas and opinions. Reading age-appropriate books together and playing word games can also be effective ways to enhance their vocabulary and language skills. Remember, the more they are exposed to language and engaged in conversation, the more they will thrive in their language development journey.

Language Milestones – What to Expect at Each Age

Here is a general overview of the language milestones you can expect at each age:

Age: 12 months

Milestone: 1 word

Average: 5 words+

Age: 18 months

Milestone: 10 words

Average: 50 words+

Age: 24 months

Milestone: 50 words

Average: 300 words+

Age: 36 months

Milestone: 250 words

Average: 1000 words+

It is important to understand the difference between milestone and average. Milestone represents what most children (~80-90%) can do at this specific age. Average represents what half of children (~50%) can do at this age. Milestone is the bare minimum of what we want the child to have at that given age. About half of children their age are doing what is “average”.

Remember that these milestones are just general guidelines. Every child is unique, and it’s important to consider their individual progress and development.

Questions That Matter as Much as “How many words does your child have?”

While the number of words a child has at each age is a useful indicator of language development, there are other important factors to consider as well. Here are some questions that are just as important to consider:

1. Is your child showing an interest in communicating?

Language development goes beyond mere word count. Look for signs that your child is engaging in meaningful communication, such as pointing to objects, making eye contact, and attempting to imitate sounds.

2. Is your child able to understand and follow simple instructions?

Language comprehension is an essential aspect of communication. Pay attention to your child’s ability to understand and respond appropriately to simple commands and questions.

3. What types of words do they use?

Language development is more than just use of nouns and labels. If your child has 25 words and a majority of them are colors, letters and shapes, this will not functionally help them get their needs met. We want children to be using verbs, pronouns, adjectives and prepositions.

4. Is your child using language to express their needs and emotions?

Effective communication involves using the vocabulary they have to get their basic needs and wants met, not just labeling what they see in their environment.

By considering these questions along with word count, you can gain a deeper understanding of your child’s language development and identify any areas that may require additional attention or support.

When to Seek Professional Help for Language Delays

While every child develops at their own pace, it’s important to be aware of potential language delays. If you notice any of the following, it may be a good idea to consult a healthcare professional or speech-language pathologist:

• Limited or no babbling by 12 months: Babbling is a crucial precursor to speech development. If your child is not producing any babbling sounds by their first birthday, it’s worth discussing with a professional.
• Lack of gestures or pointing by 12-15 months: Gestures play an important role in communication. If your child is not pointing or gesturing to request objects or share experiences by 12-15 months, it may be a cause for concern.
• Difficulty understanding or following simple instructions by 18 months: While every child develops at their own pace, struggling to understand or follow simple instructions by 18 months could be an indication of a language delay.
• Limited vocabulary by 18 months: If your child is not using at least 10 words by 18 months, this could also be an indication of a language delay.
• Lack of two-word phrases by 24 months: By the time they turn 2, most children should have a vocabulary of at least 50 words and be using two-word phrases. If your child is significantly behind in these areas, it’s advisable to seek professional guidance. To schedule a free consultation, click here.

Remember, early intervention is crucial when it comes to language delays. The sooner any potential issues are identified and addressed, the better the chances of positive outcomes.