Every toddler starts talking on their own timeline. Some become chatty as soon as they learn their first words, while others are quieter and more observant. Because of this wide range of development, it can be hard to know whether your child’s speech patterns are simply part of who they are or a sign that they may need extra support.
Understanding what can affect speech development and learning what you can do at home can help you feel more confident and informed as you support your child’s communication journey.
Typical Communication Development in Toddlers
Pediatric speech therapists use developmental milestones as helpful guideposts to understand how communication skills typically develop in young children. These milestones are not strict deadlines, and it’s completely normal for toddlers to reach them at somewhat different times. The following examples offer general expectations for communication development between 12 months and 3 years:
By 12 months:
- Responds consistently to their name
- Understands simple requests (“come here”)
- Uses gestures (pointing, waving)
- Says 1–2 recognizable words (“mama,” “dada”)
By 18 months:
- Uses a vocabulary of 10–20 words
- Copies simple words used by adults
- Communicates wants/needs using single words (“up,” “milk”)
By 24 months:
- Uses at least 50 words
- Links two words together (“more juice,” “my toy”)
- Follows two-step directions
By 30–36 months
- Speaks in 3–4 word sentences
- Is understood most of the time by adults who know them
- Asks and answers simple questions
- Names most everyday objects
Common Causes of Speech Delays in Toddlers
There is no single reason why a toddler may experience a speech delay. In many cases, several factors work together, and sometimes there is no clear cause at all. Some common influences include:
- Hearing differences: Even mild or temporary hearing challenges, such as frequent ear infections, can make it harder for toddlers to hear sounds clearly. When sounds are difficult to hear, it can affect how your child learns to recognize and use words.
- Oral development: Speech relies on the coordinated movement of the lips, tongue, jaw, and breath. Some toddlers need more time to develop oral strength and coordination, which can affect how clearly their words sound.
- Developmental differences: Some toddlers process and learn language differently than others. Because of this, it may take longer for them to use words consistently or combine words into phrases.
- Family history: Speech and language challenges can run in families. A family history of speech delays does not mean a child will experience the same difficulties, but it can influence how and when speech skills emerge.
- Prematurity or early medical history: Toddlers born prematurely, who experienced medical challenges early in life, or who have developmental differences such as autism may reach communication milestones later than expected.
- Limited daily language interaction: Infrequent conversation, play, or reading time can mean your child has fewer chances to hear and practice new words.
- Multiple languages spoken at home: Hearing and learning more than one language at once might mean your child is processing a lot and speaking less, which can slow down how quickly they speak in either language.
What You Can Do at Home to Support Your Toddler’s Speech
There are many simple, everyday ways to support your toddler’s speech and language development at home:
- Talk through daily routines, like getting dressed, bath time, or meals, by describing what you’re doing and what your child sees around them.
- Make story time a daily habit by choosing interactive books with clear pictures and repeating words as you point things out together.
- Offer simple choices, such as “apple or banana?” to encourage your child to respond using words.
- Sing songs and nursery rhymes to help your child hear rhythm, repetition, and new sounds in a fun way.
- Follow your child’s interests by talking about the toys, activities, or topics they’re already excited about.
- Give your child time to respond by pausing after you ask a question or start a conversation, even if it feels quiet at first.
The goal is to make talking feel enjoyable, not stressful. Focus on connection rather than correction.
Signs Your Toddler May Benefit From a Speech Evaluation
Some toddlers need extra support as their speech skills develop. Signs your child may benefit from an evaluation with a speech therapist include:
- Using fewer words than expected for their age
- Having difficulty combining words into longer phrases or sentences
- Being hard to understand, even for close family members
- Showing frustration when trying to communicate their needs or ideas
- Having trouble following or understanding simple instructions
- Relying mostly on gestures or sounds instead of using words
A speech evaluation helps identify your child’s strengths, highlights areas where extra support may be helpful, and offers clear guidance on how to support your child’s speech development moving forward.
How Speech Therapy Can Help Toddlers with Speech Delays
After your child receives a comprehensive evaluation, a speech therapist creates a personalized plan based on your child’s unique strengths, challenges, and communication goals.
Speech therapy for toddlers is play-based and designed to feel engaging and natural. During sessions, your child and their therapist may work on:
- Improving speech clarity and sound production
- Strengthening listening and understanding skills
- Developing social communication and conversation skills
- Expanding vocabulary and language use
- Building confidence in expressing needs and ideas
Your child’s speech therapist will also give you strategies you can use at home to help your child practice new skills and continue making progress between sessions.
Reach Out to Peninsula Associates Speech Therapy Services for Support
If you are concerned about your toddler’s speech development, and you are in the Menlo Park or San Jose, CA, area, contact Peninsula Associates Speech Therapy Services at (650) 709-9780 to schedule an evaluation or to speak with a speech therapist. We look forward to helping your toddler improve their speech skills and communicate with clarity and confidence.
