Speech & language milestones, by age.
A quiet reference, not a checklist to worry over. Use it as a general guide — and if something doesn't add up for your child, that's exactly what an assessment is for.
- 12 monthsSays one or two words. Responds to name. Waves bye bye. Points to show interest.
- 18 monthsSays 10, 20+ words. Follows simple one step instructions. Points to a few body parts.
- 2 years50+ words. Starts combining two words ('more milk'). Follows two step instructions.
- 3 yearsUses 3, 4 word sentences. Asks 'what' and 'where' questions. Mostly understood by family.
- 4 yearsTells short stories. Asks 'why' and 'how'. Understood by strangers most of the time.
- 5 yearsComplex sentences, correct grammar mostly in place. Clear speech. Understands most classroom instructions.
Concerned your child isn't quite tracking with these? Read about speech delay and language delay, or book a consultation for a specific answer.
Questions parents ask
Are these milestones exact for every child?+
No — they're general guides based on typical development, not a strict checklist. Children vary, and bilingual or multilingual children in particular may show a different pattern across their languages. If your child is noticeably behind several of these, it's worth a conversation.
What if my child hits milestones late but seems to be catching up?+
That can be completely normal — some children are later talkers who catch up without support. The difficulty is telling this apart from a delay that needs help, which is exactly what an assessment is for.
Where can I get a proper check on my child's development?+
A speech and language assessment gives you a specific, individual answer rather than a general guideline — book a consultation and we'll talk through what we're seeing.