Speech and language development milestones for 18-month-olds

Earlier speech and language milestones: Babbling, first word

Your child’s growth and development are cumulative, which means they build on skills they already have. So before your child can begin to learn new words, many of their previous successes or milestones have already been completed. These include cooing, laughing, babbling, and saying their first word. Most children say their first word between 10 and 14 months old and some children may say a few words by their first birthday.

Speech and language milestones for 18-month-olds

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes two important speech and language milestones at 18 months old:

• Your child tries to say three or more words, besides “mama” or “dada”
• Your child can follow simple, one-step instructions without gestures, like handing you a toy if you say “Give it to me.”

Language and speech development of 18-month-olds: Understanding and responding

Understanding

Even if your toddler isn’t saying many words yet, they’re making progress in language development. Understanding is a fundamental skill that’s required in order to be able to speak and respond. At this age, your child is quickly becoming able to understand language. 

Here’s what you can expect from your 18-month-old when it comes to understanding:

• Following simple directions: Your toddler may be able to follow simple, one-step directions like "Get your shoes" or "Come here." They might also respond to more specific requests, such as “Give Mommy the ball” or “Put the toy on the table.” This shows that they can understand not just individual words but also the meaning of simple sentences.
• Recognizing familiar names and objects: At this age, toddlers can identify the names of familiar people, pets, objects, and body parts. If you say, "Where’s Daddy?", "Find your teddy bear", or “Where’s your nose?,” they may point to or go get the item. 
• Understanding routines and familiar phrases: Your toddler may understand phrases and cues related to daily routines, even if they can’t express their understanding verbally. For example, when you say “time for bed” or “let’s go outside,” they might respond by getting ready for the next activity, like grabbing a blanket or heading toward the door.

Responding

While their speech may still be limited, toddlers at 18 months are becoming more responsive in their communication. Here are some ways they might respond to you:

• Using words or sounds: Your toddler may begin using single words to label things or express simple desires, such as saying “milk” when thirsty or “up” when they want to be picked up. Expect a growing vocabulary of 10 to 20 words, although some toddlers may know even more.
• Answering yes/no questions: By this age, toddlers often understand yes/no questions and may respond with a simple “yes” or “no,” or by nodding or shaking their head. For example, you might ask, "Do you want more?" or "Is that your toy?" and they’ll give you a clear response.
• Pointing and gesturing: In addition to using words, many 18-month-olds communicate with gestures. For example, if your child wants a toy on a high shelf, they might point to it while looking at you. 
• Repeating words and sounds: At this stage, toddlers often mimic the words and sounds they hear. They may try to repeat what you say, even if it’s not perfectly clear. For example, if you say “dog,” they might respond with “da” as they try to copy the sound.

As your child practices responding to you, it’s good practice to encourage them by having conversations with them, even if they seem a bit one-sided. Reading books together and responding to your child’s sounds and words are great ways to help them continue building their language skills. 

Speech and language development screenings for toddlers

Your child should have a developmental screening at their 18 month checkup. But if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s development, speak to your local pediatrician or text a Summer Health pediatrician about those concerns early on. Don’t wait until their scheduled screening. Identifying any issues early on can help your child get any support they may need more quickly.

Talk to your child’s pediatrician if your 18-month-old:

• Doesn’t follow simple, one-step instructions
• Speaks fewer than ten words
• Doesn’t respond to their name
• Doesn’t mimic words or sounds you make

Just because your child doesn’t meet all milestones by a certain age does not mean there is necessarily a delay. It’s best to speak to a pediatrician to find out if your child is on track or whether they may need additional support.