As parents and caregivers, it’s natural to wonder if your child’s speech and language development is on track. The early years, from birth to age 6, are full of exciting changes as your child learns to understand and use language.
This guide will help you understand what’s typical at each stage, what to look out for, and how you can support your child’s communication journey. It is also important to mention, every child develops at different stages, and this post is just a guide.
Why Speech and Language Development Matters
Speech and language skills are essential for learning, social interaction, and emotional expression. They lay the foundation for reading, writing, and building relationships. Early identification of delays can make a big difference — the earlier a child receives support, the better the outcomes. If you have any concerns regarding your child’s development, your Early Education Centre has many pathways to assist you. Children can be referred to Child Health by your Early Education Centre and screenings are free until they reach school.
Milestones by Age Group
0–12 Months: Laying the Foundation
- What to Expect:
- Responds to sounds (e.g., turning head toward a voice)
- Coos and makes gurgling sounds
- Starts babbling (“ba-ba,” “da-da”)
- Uses crying, facial expressions, and gestures to communicate needs
- How You Can Help:
- Talk to your baby during daily routines
- Respond to their sounds and expressions
- Read picture books with simple words and bright images
- In the first few months of life, a baby’s world is a blur — literally! While newborns can see shapes and movement, their vision is still developing, and they are especially drawn to high-contrast patterns. That’s why black and white books are a perfect choice during early infancy.
12–24 Months: First Words and Understanding
- What to Expect:
- Says first words like “mama,” “ball,” or “more”
- Understands simple instructions (“come here,” “no”)
- Points to body parts or pictures when named
- Has a vocabulary of 50+ words by age 2
- Begins combining two words (“want juice,” “go park”)
- How You Can Help:
- Name objects and actions throughout the day
- Use short, clear sentences
- Sing songs and nursery rhymes
2–3 Years: Building Sentences
- What to Expect:
- Uses 2–3 word sentences (“me want toy,” “daddy go work”)
- Asks simple questions (“what’s that?”)
- Speech is becoming more understandable — strangers understand about 50–75%
- Follows two-step instructions (“get your shoes and bring them here”)
- How You Can Help:
- Encourage pretend play with dolls or animals
- Expand on their phrases (If they say “truck,” you say “Yes, a big red truck!”)
- Offer choices to build vocabulary (“Do you want apple or banana?”)
3–4 Years: Clarity and Conversation
- What to Expect:
- Speaks in full sentences of 4–5 words or more
- Can tell short stories or describe past events
- Speech is mostly clear to unfamiliar listeners
- Understands and uses basic grammar (e.g., plurals, prepositions)
- How You Can Help:
- Ask open-ended questions (“What did you do at the park?”)
- Introduce new words during play and reading
- Praise efforts to communicate clearly
4–5 Years: Ready for School
- What to Expect:
- Uses complex sentences and a wide vocabulary
- Talks about daily experiences and feelings
- Understands time concepts (yesterday, tomorrow)
- Follows multi-step directions
- How You Can Help:
- Encourage storytelling and imaginative play
- Read books and talk about the story
- Practice rhyming and word games
5–6 Years: Confidence and Growth
- What to Expect:
- Clearly speaks in most situations
- Understands jokes and wordplay
- Uses language to reason, persuade, and solve problems
- Shows interest in reading and writing
- How You Can Help:
- Have conversations about their thoughts and feelings
- Play games that involve listening and describing
- Support early reading and writing at home
When to Seek Support
Every child develops at their own pace, but consider talking to your pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist if your child:
- Isn’t babbling by 12 months
- Doesn’t say single words by 18 months
- Has fewer than 50 words or isn’t combining words by 2 years
- Is difficult for family members to understand by age 3
- Shows frustration around communication
- Has trouble following directions or answering questions
Final Thoughts
Speech and language development is a journey, and you play a vital role in it. Celebrate the milestones, be patient with challenges, and create a rich language environment at home. If you ever have concerns, early support can make a world of difference – don’t be afraid to reach out!
Your child’s voice is unique — and helping them find and use it is one of the greatest gifts you can give.
Charli Samosa Milne – Educational Leader, Benowa Children’s Centres.