How many words should your toddler be able to say?
The average vocabulary at 18 months is about 50 words, but toddlers can say far more or fewer and still be on track.
Speech Development
Speech Development
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Use your toddler’s fascination with touching things to teach language skills
Studies find that labeling an object as your child handles it can help them connect what they have in their hands to the words you say.
Combining words: a big step in language learning
Try these easy tips from language experts to encourage your toddler to say two-word phrases.
What to do when you don’t know what your toddler is asking for
Before the frustration gets to both of you, try this approach to make your toddler feel heard and build their vocabulary in the process.
Why not to correct your toddler’s speech—and what to do instead
How you respond to mispronunciations can make a difference in your child's language development.
The science behind your child’s ‘language explosion’
Your toddler may say lots of new words around 18 to 24 months of age—here's why.
Boost your toddler’s language skills by getting face-to-face
Try these 3 simple ways to get more valuable face-to-face time with your toddler.
3 subtle signs your toddler’s language skills are developing
Many parents underestimate how many words their young toddler understands. Watch for these non-verbal signals to get a better idea of what your toddler knows.
Toddlers benefit from ‘crib talk’
It's a good thing when toddlers talk to themselves. Here's why.
What research says about how to respond to your baby’s babbles
Did you know that the way you respond to your baby's babbling can actually shape the way they communicate? Learn more.
Copy your baby to help them learn
Imitation is one of the main ways your baby learns about the world. Read about the link between imitation and learning.
4 ways to encourage your baby’s first coos
Your baby’s earliest forms of communication are crying, eye contact, and smiles. Then they may begin to coo. Read these 4 ways to encourage cooing.
Parentese improves children’s vocabulary
Read the characteristics of parentese, an exaggerated speaking style, and understand how it benefits your child's vocabulary and conversational skills.
Did my baby just call me ‘Dada’?
The second stage of babbling is known as reduplicated babbling: simple double-consonant sounds such as 'baba' and 'mama.' Find out more about your baby babbles!
Your 9-month-old’s language development
Between 9 and 12 months, your baby may begin exhibiting certain expressive language skills. Learn the type of babbles you may notice.
5 tips to encourage talking in babies
Read our 5 simple things that can make an important difference in your baby's early attempts to talk.
When will my baby say their first word?
When will my baby start talking? Most children say their first word between 12 and 14 months old. Read about ways to encourage talking.
Your 6-month-old’s language development
At 6 months, your baby’s expressive language is transitioning from those sweet early coos and squeals to more experimental babbling. Read about what your baby may be working on.
5 things happening with your child’s language development right now
A lot of exciting language development happens between your child's second and third birthdays. Here's what you can expect now in terms of language development.
Rethinking milestones—when to relax and when to talk to your pediatrician
Here are some thoughts to consider if you find yourself battling worries over your toddler’s milestones or suffering the effects of child comparisons.
Picture book project! 🌈 Preserving your toddler’s first words
This DIY project captures your child's first words and builds their vocabulary as their language develops.
The toddler game of who, what, where, why, how?
Introducing who, what, where, why, and how in little lessons empowers your toddler to begin explaining what interests them the most.
Your baby can actually learn to drink from a cup now
Open cups help babies build the muscles in their mouths used to form sounds (and lessen drooling). Learn how to introduce an open cup to your baby.
“Throw the ball to Mama”—what’s up with the third person, anyway?
Do you speak to your toddler in the third person? "Illeism" may help your toddler develop their language skills until they understand pronouns.
Your baby wants to tell you something
Babies can understand language before they can speak. Here are ways to communicate with your baby before they say their first recognizable words.
