How Many Words Should an 18-Month-Old Say?
Understanding your child's language development can be both exciting and overwhelming. One common question parents ask is, "How many words should an 18-month-old say?"
Typically, a child says their first word between 10 and 14 months of age, which signifies the beginning of their ability to communicate verbally with recognizable words. There can be some variation in this timeframe. Some children might say their first word a little earlier (around 9 months) or later (up to 16 months), which doesn't necessarily indicate a delay.
The first words are typically simple, one-syllable words like "mama," "dada," or "baba."
This article will discuss typical language milestones, factors influencing language development, and when to seek professional advice.
Key Takeaways:
Typical Language Milestones: By ages 18-24 months, most children will say around 20-50 words, although some children might have fewer (around 10) and still be developing typically. They understand basic instructions like "pick up the ball" or "give me the cup." They respond to their name and point to familiar objects when named.
Types of Words: Common words include names (e.g., "mama," "dada"), objects (e.g., "ball," "cup"), actions (e.g., "go," "eat"), needs (e.g., "milk," "juice"), and sounds (e.g., "woof," "moo"). These words contribute to developing a child's vocabulary, helping them combine words and create varied sentences.
Early Sentence Formation: Two-word phrases like "more juice" or "bye-bye" might emerge.
When to Seek Professional Advice: If your child says fewer than ten words by 18 months and doesn't point to objects when named, it's best to consult a healthcare professional or speech-language pathologist (SLP) for an evaluation. Early intervention can be very beneficial for children with language delays.
Typical Language Milestones for an 18-Month-Old
Factors Influencing Language Development
Encouraging Language Development
Typical Language Milestones for an 18-Month-Old
Vocabulary Range
By 18 months, most children babble expressively and have a blossoming vocabulary. At this stage, they begin transitioning from babbling to using actual words. This range can vary widely, with some toddlers using around 20-50 words, while others might surprise you with over 100!
There's no single "perfect" number of words. Focus on whether your child is steadily adding new words and experimenting with communication.
Understanding Language
Understanding language, also known as receptive language, is just as crucial as speaking. By 18 months, you can expect your child to grasp basic instructions like "Pick up the ball" or "Give me the cup."
Recognizing and imitating speech sounds, such as vowels and consonants, plays a vital role in language development. Additionally, their understanding of the world around them is blossoming. They should turn their head when you say their name and be able to point to familiar objects when you name them, like during a game of "peek-a-boo" or "Where's the teddy bear?"
Types of Words
The words an 18-month-old uses are often linked to their world. Here are some common categories:
People: "Mama," "dada," siblings' names, other familiar names
Everyday Objects: "Ball," "cup," "book," "car," favorite toys
Actions: "Go," "eat," "play," "sleep"
Basic Needs: "Milk," "juice," "cookie," "more"
Sounds and Animal Noises: "Woof," "Moo," "Beep-beep" (This is a fun one to practice together!)
Children also start putting words together at this age, such as "more juice" or "go play," an important milestone in their speech development.
Early Sentence Formation
While two-word phrases like "more juice" or "bye-bye" might be emerging for some toddlers, this skill typically develops closer to the second birthday. Combining two words, such as "big truck" or "blue ball," is crucial for forming rudimentary sentences and expanding language skills.
You can encourage this development by narrating your actions throughout the day ("Let's go bye-bye to grandma!") and using simple, repetitive phrases ("Ball go?") during playtime.
Remember: Every child develops at their own pace. Talk to your pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist if you have concerns about your child's language development.
Factors Influencing Language Development
Every child's language journey is unique, and several factors can influence how quickly and in what way their skills blossom. Here are some key influences to keep in mind:
Exposure and Interaction: Frequent and positive interactions with caregivers are crucial. Talking, singing, reading, and responding to your toddler's babbling lay the foundation for strong language development. Additionally, toddlers often use body language, such as gestures and physical movements, to communicate their needs and ideas, especially before developing verbal language skills.
Hearing and Overall Health: Good hearing allows children to perceive and process the sounds of language accurately. If you have concerns about your child's hearing, consult a doctor. Additionally, overall health and well-being can impact a child's focus and energy for communication.
Cognitive Development: A child's ability to think, remember, and solve problems is linked to language development. Playtime and activities that stimulate cognitive skills can also benefit language learning.
Temperament and Personality: Some toddlers are naturally more outgoing and eager to communicate, while others may be more observant. Understanding your child's temperament can help you tailor your interactions to their strengths.
Multilingual Environments: Children exposed to multiple languages from a young age can sometimes take slightly longer to reach certain milestones in each individual language. However, these children often develop impressive language-learning abilities in the long run.
Encouraging Language Development
Here are some fun and effective ways to nurture your child's blossoming communication skills:
Talk, Sing, and Read Together: Make talking a natural part of your day. Narrate your activities ("I'm putting on your shoes"), sing songs, and read books together. Point to pictures, ask simple questions, and encourage your child to participate by making sounds or filling in missing words in rhymes.
Respond and Expand: When your child babbles or tries to communicate, give them your full attention. Respond warmly and try to understand their message. Expand on their attempts by saying the full word or a simple phrase ("Yes, that's a red ball!").
Playtime Power: Play is a powerful language-learning tool. Engage in imaginative play, sing action songs with gestures, and describe what you're doing during games.
Label Everything: Label objects in your daily routine ("cup," "milk," "spoon"). This helps your child connect words with the things they see and use.
Make it Fun and Engaging: Use silly voices and sound effects to keep your child interested. Create interactive routines like bath time songs or goodbye rituals with specific phrases.
Embrace Repetition: Toddlers learn best through repetition. Read favorite books again and again, sing familiar songs, and repeat new words in different contexts.
Limit Screen Time: While some educational apps can be beneficial, excessive screen time can hinder language development. Focus on interactive play and real-life communication.
When to Seek Professional Advice
Signs of Potential Delays
While there's a wide range of normal development, certain signs might indicate a need for professional evaluation. Consider seeking advice if your child:
Says fewer than ten words by 18 months
Doesn't point to objects or pictures when named
Doesn't imitate sounds or actions
Early Intervention
If you have concerns, early intervention can make a significant difference. A speech therapist plays a crucial role in early intervention by assessing your child's development and providing strategies to support their language growth.
Speech-language pathologists can assess your child's development and provide strategies for language growth. Speech therapists are essential in supporting language development, helping to recognize typical language milestones, and providing guidance if there are concerns about a child's progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does my 18-month-old only say a few words?
Language development varies significantly among children, and many factors, such as genetics, environmental stimulation, and individual differences, can influence it.
A language-rich environment where you talk, read, and engage with your child can encourage language development. If you have concerns, consider consulting with a speech-language pathologist.
2. How many words should an 18-month-old be saying?
By 18 months, many children typically say between 20 to 50 words. However, there's a wide range of normal; some children may have fewer words while others may have more. The key is that they are progressing in their language development and actively trying to communicate.
3. Should I be worried if my 18-month-old isn't talking?
If your 18-month-old isn't talking much or is only saying a few words, it might not necessarily be a cause for concern, as children develop at their own pace.
However, if your child isn't attempting to communicate through sounds, gestures, or words, seeking advice from a healthcare provider or speech-language pathologist could help rule out any potential issues. Early intervention is always best, so if you're concerned, take the next steps as soon as possible.
4. Why does my 18-month-old use the same word for everything?
It's not unusual for toddlers to use one word to represent multiple things, a phenomenon known as "overextension." This happens because they are still learning to differentiate and expand their vocabulary.
For example, they might use "ball" for anything round. As their vocabulary grows and they receive more language input, they will use more specific words correctly.
5. What is considered a speech delay at 18 months?
A speech delay at 18 months might be indicated if a child says fewer than ten words, doesn't point to objects or pictures when named, doesn't imitate sounds or actions, or seems uninterested in communicating. If you notice these signs, it may be beneficial to consult a speech-language pathologist for an evaluation and possible early intervention speech therapy.
How Connected Speech Pathology Helps with Speech Delays
Connected Speech Pathology offers invaluable support for children experiencing speech delays. Our team of experienced speech-language pathologists is dedicated to providing personalized, evidence-based interventions tailored to each child's unique needs. Focusing on a child's specific challenges and strengths, Connected Speech Pathology helps facilitate significant improvements in speech and language skills.
For years, we have utilized teletherapy to reach children and families regardless of their geographical location. This approach ensures continuity of care and convenience for families struggling to access high-quality speech therapy services. Through secure video conferencing platforms, our speech-language pathologists conduct engaging and interactive speech therapy sessions using innovative techniques and tools.
The success of Connected Speech Pathology's remote services is evident in the excellent results we consistently achieve. Our telehealth model has been refined over the years, ensuring that children receive the same care and attention in traditional, in-person settings. Parents and caregivers are also actively involved in learning strategies to support their child's progress at home.
Summary
Language development in toddlers varies widely. By 18 months, many children can say between 20 to 50 words, though this range can be broader. Factors such as individual variation and bilingual environments play a role in language acquisition. Encouraging language through talking, reading, and responsive interaction is critical.
If you have concerns about your child's language development, seeking professional advice can provide reassurance and support. Remember that every child develops at their own pace, and with the right environment, they will continue to grow and learn.
Understanding your child's language milestones and fostering their development can help them reach their full potential. Enjoy the journey of watching your little one learn to communicate!
About the Author
Allison Geller is a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and the owner of Connected Speech Pathology. She obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Florida in Speech-Language Pathology. Allison has practiced speech therapy in a number of settings including telepractice, acute care, outpatient rehabilitation, and private practice. She has worked extensively with individuals across the lifespan including toddlers, preschoolers, school-aged children, and adults. She specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of communication disorders including receptive/expressive language disorders, articulation disorders, voice disorders, fluency disorders, brain injury, and swallowing disorders.
Allison served as the clinical coordinator of research in aphasia in the Neurological Institute at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. She is on the Board of Directors for the Corporate Speech Pathology Network (CORSPAN), a Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) certified clinician, and a proud Family Empowerment Scholarship/Step-Up For Students provider. Allison is passionate about delivering high quality-effective treatment remotely because it’s convenient and easy to access. What sets us apart from other online speech therapy options is—Allison takes great care to hire the very best SLPs from all over the country.
