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Speech and Language Milestones, Ages 1 to 3 Years

Overview

Language and communication development milestones relate to two areas:

  • Receptive language. This is the ability to understand words and sounds.
  • Expressive language. This is the ability to use speech and gestures to communicate meaning.

Most 1-year-olds start to understand the meanings of words. Their receptive language grows from understanding names of people and objects to being able to follow simple requests sometime between ages 1 and 2. Expressive language advances from primarily using gestures and babbling at age 1, to using words, simple phrases, and some early sentence structures between ages 2 and 3.

Language and communication milestones
AgeMilestone
12 months:
  • Waves "bye-bye."
  • Calls parents "mama" or "dada" or another special name.
  • Understands the word "no."
15 months:
  • Tries to say one or two words besides "mama" or "dada."
  • Looks at a familiar object when you name it.
  • Follows directions you give using both a gesture and word, like holding out your hand while you say, "Give me the toy."
  • Points to ask for something or to get help.
18 months:
  • Tries to say three or more words besides "mama" and "dada."
  • Follows one-step directions without any gestures. For example, your child will hand you a toy when you say, "Give me the toy."
24 months:
  • Points to things in a book when you ask them.
  • Says at least two words together, like "more milk."
  • Points to at least two body parts when you ask them to show you.
  • Uses more gestures than just waving and pointing.
30 months:
  • Says about 50 words.
  • Says two or more words together with one action word, like "doggie run."
  • Names things in a book when you point to them.
  • Says words like "I," "me," or "we."
36 months:
  • Talks with you in conversation using at least two back-and-forth exchanges.
  • Asks "who," "what," "where," or "why" questions.
  • Can tell you what action is happening in a picture or book when asked.
  • Says first name when asked.
  • Talks well enough for others to understand most of the time.

Credits

Current as of: October 24, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 24, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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