Speech & Language Milestones 12-24 months: A Parent-Friendly Guide

Speech & Language Milestones: 12–24 Months

The period between 12 and 24 months is one of the most exciting times for communication development and knowing the toddler speech and language milestones for this age can be helpful . Toddlers move from being primarily communicators through sounds and gestures to using words, phrases, and early sentences to share their thoughts, needs, and ideas. It’s also a time when development can look very different from child to child, and that variation is often expected!

Below is a general overview of what speech and language development often looks like between 12 and 24 months, along with ways caregivers can support skills at home.

Speech & Language Milestones for 12–18 Month Olds

During this stage, toddlers are beginning to understand far more language than they can express.

You might notice your child:

• Understanding familiar words and simple directions (e.g., “get your shoes" or “come here”)

• Using gestures along with sounds or words (i.e., pointing, waving, reaching)

• Saying a few true words- read our what counts as a true word blog to learn more

  • At 12 months, most children have 1 word and on average children have 5+ words

  • At 18 months, most children have 10 words and on average children have 50+ words

• Using the same sound or word for multiple things (e.g., “ba” for ball, bubble, and bottle). This is called overgeneralization and is a common occurrence in language development

• Imitating sounds, words, or parts of words during play

• Using different sounds or intonation patterns to communicate, this is called jargon

It’s common at this age for words to be approximations, such as,“da” for dog or “wa” for water- these still count as true words as long as they are consistent and intentional.

Speech & Language Milestones for 18–24 Month Olds

This is when many families may notice a snowball effect with their child's expressive language, though the timing and pace can vary for each child.

You might notice your child:

• By 18 months, most children have 10 words and on average children have 50+ words

• By 24 months, most children use at least 50 words and on average, children produce 300+ words.

• Starting to combine words into short phrases, once they have developed enough single words (e.g., "more snack" or "go ball")

• Learning new words quickly once they start talking- that snowballing effect!

• Labeling familiar people, objects, and body parts

• Asking questions using rising intonation

• Following simple two-step directions (e.g., “get the ball and give it to me”)

• Engaging in more back-and-forth interactions during play

Some toddlers are strong talkers at this stage, while others may need more support to develop their language. Our Mae-Mae and Me classes are a great option for children 16-24 months who are continuing to work on developing their first words.

How to Support Toddler Language Development (12–24 Months)

Try these strategies:

• Narrate daily routines and isolate single words: Talk about what you’re doing during meals, bath time, and play. Highlight single words during this time, by repeating it and emphasizing it.

• Follow your child’s lead: Talk about what they are focused on, rather than redirecting the play. All play is okay, don't worry if your child isn't using a toy how it's "supposed to be" used.

• Model without expectation: Share new words and emphasize them during play, but don't require your child to respond or repeat. This reduces pressure and anxiety that may develop around producing first words.

• Pause and wait: Give your child time to respond, even if the response is a look or gesture

• Expand what they say: If your child says “ball,” you can say “big ball” or “throw ball.”

  
  

When to Seek Speech Therapy Support for Toddlers

Every child develops at their own pace, but it may be helpful to seek guidance from a speech-language pathologist if:

• Your child is not using gestures or sounds to communicate by 14 months

• There are very few or no meaningful words by 16 months

• There are less than 50 words by 24 months

• Your child is not understanding familiar words or routines

• Communication feels frustrating for your child or your family

Early support can be incredibly effective and often looks like educating and guiding caregivers on how to support communication during everyday moments.

Want Support Along the Way?

Reach out to us to discuss individual speech therapy for your child!

Another option for supporting your child's communication in a playful, low-pressure way or you’re searching is joining our toddler language class, Mae Mae & Me!

Mae Mae & Me is a caregiver-and-toddler language class led by licensed speech-language pathologists. Classes are designed for young toddlers and focus on:

• Supporting early language development through play and routines

• Helping caregivers learn practical, evidence-based strategies

• Building connection, confidence, and communication during everyday moments