If you're quietly counting your toddler's words and wondering whether they should have more by now, you're not alone — and a little knowledge goes a long way.
“They'll talk when they're ready.” It's the most common thing parents of quiet toddlers hear. Sometimes it's true. But sometimes a little early support makes all the difference — so here's how to tell what's typical, and what's worth a closer look.
Talking milestones, roughly
Every child is different, and these are guides rather than hard rules — but broadly:
- By 12 months: babbling, gestures like pointing and waving, and often a first word or two.
- By 18 months: around 6–20 words, and understanding far more than they say.
- By 2 years: roughly 50+ words and starting to put two together (“more milk”, “daddy go”).
- By 3 years: short sentences, and mostly understandable to familiar adults.
What “late talker” means
A “late talker” is typically a toddler between about 18 and 30 months who understands language well and is developing normally in other ways, but has a noticeably small spoken vocabulary. Many catch up — but it's genuinely hard to predict which children will, and which will need a hand.
Signs worth a closer look
- Few or no words by 18 months, or not combining words by 2
- Rarely imitates sounds or words
- Doesn't point, wave or use gestures to communicate
- Seems not to understand simple instructions
- Lost words or skills they previously had
- You have a gut feeling that something's not quite right
Why “wait and see” isn't always best
The toddler years are a period of rich brain development for language. Support during this window is gentle, play-based and effective — and it usually centres on coaching you, since you're with your child far more than any therapist. There's rarely a downside to checking in early, and potentially a lot to gain.
Five things you can try today
- Narrate the day. Put words to what your child sees and does (“big splash!”, “up we go”).
- Follow their lead. Talk about whatever they're interested in, in that moment.
- Comment more, question less. Swap “What's that?” for “It's a dog!” — modelling words rather than testing.
- Pause and wait. Leave a beat for your child to respond, in any way.
- Read together, often. Books are vocabulary gold, even if you don't finish the story.
If you'd like a friendly, no-pressure chat about your toddler's talking, we'd love to help — and because we're mobile, we can come to you.