Speech and language milestones in children
A general guide to how communication develops, and when to consider seeking advice.
Children develop language at their own pace, but broad milestones help you know what to expect and when to ask for advice.
Early communication
- Babbling and responding to voices in infancy.
- First words around the end of the first year.
- Pointing and gesturing to share attention.
Growing vocabulary
- Rapid word learning in the toddler years.
- Combining words into short phrases.
- Following simple instructions.
Building sentences
- Longer sentences and more grammar.
- Being understood by unfamiliar people.
- Telling simple stories.
When to seek advice
- Little babbling or few words by expected ages.
- Not responding to sound or name.
- Loss of skills - always worth checking.
How this site helps
You don’t have to do everything at once. Pick one small idea from above and try it this week.
- Turn a goal into a daily habit with Practice.
- See the evidence behind these ideas in Research.
- Practise the underlying skill with a calm game.
Remember: this is general education, not medical advice. Your clinician knows your situation best.