Gini Schulist, M.S., CCC-SLP and Vladimir Bjelic, M.S., CCC-SLP

From birth, children start engaging with their surroundings through sounds and gestures. The first three years are pivotal for speech and language growth due to rapid brain development. Here’s a snapshot of what to expect:

0-6 Months

• Coos and gurgles
• Uses cries to signal needs
• Smiles and responds to voices
• Turns towards sounds
• Babbling includes “p,” “b,” “m”

7-12 Months

• Understands “no”
• Follows simple instructions
• Responds to their name
• Babbling with varied sounds
• Imitates speech sounds
• Uses gestures to communicate
• Vocabulary: 1-3 words

13-18 Months

• Imitates simple phrases
• Repeats words from conversations
• Follows basic commands
• Identifies a few body parts
• Vocabulary: 3-20+ words

19-24 Months

• Uses real words frequently
• Identifies body parts and pictures
• Labels familiar objects
• Vocabulary grows from 20 to 50-100 words

2-3 Years

• Requests items with words
• Follows two-step instructions
• Asks simple questions
• Uses 2-4 word phrases
• Vocabulary: 50-250+ words

When to Watch for Delays

• 0-3 Months: No smiling or interaction
• 4-7 Months: No babbling
• 7-12 Months: Few sounds or gestures
• 12-18 Months: Limited word use
• 2-3 Years: Struggles with phrases or peer interaction

Supporting Language Development

• Read together and label objects
• Repeat words and phrases
• Engage in descriptive play
• Use sound effects and signs
• Offer choices and encourage communication
• Celebrate new words and provide a good language model

Early action is key to supporting your child’s language development and addressing any delays effectively.

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s development, talk to their primary care doctor.

Other Language Development Resources

• 4 Language Skills Developed During Reading
• Does My Child Have a Language Delay?
• When Should I Use Sign Language with my Child?

About the Authors:

Vladimir Bjelic is a Speech Language Pathologist at Penfield Children’s Center in their Birth-to-Three Program.

Gini Schulist is a Speech-Language Pathologist and has worked at Penfield Children’s Center for more than five years. She works mostly with the Birth-to-Three population in Milwaukee County- both in the community and in center.

“Early Detection of Speech, Language, and Hearing Disorders.” ASHA. Web. 19 Nov. 2014.

Shipley, Kenneth G., Ph.D., and Julie G., M.A. McAfee. “Evaluating Preassessment Information.” Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology, A Resource Manual. 4th ed. Clifton Park: Delmar Cengage Learning, 2009. 92-96. Print.