Bunny's Big Day of Sounds logo The Early Childhood SLP
For Parents

Speech & Language Tips You Can Use Today

Written from the perspective of a pediatric speech-language pathologist — simple, practical guidance for supporting your child's early communication.

Speech & Language Milestones by Age

Every child develops at their own pace — these are general guidelines, not strict deadlines.

0–12 monthsBirth to 1 Year
  • Coos and babbles, including repeated sounds like "bababa" or "mamama"
  • Turns toward sounds and voices
  • Responds to their own name
  • Uses gestures like waving or pointing
  • May say a first word or two by around 12 months
1–2 years1 to 2 Years
  • Says several single words and follows simple directions
  • Points to familiar people, objects, and body parts
  • Imitates words and simple actions
  • By age 2, begins combining two words ("more milk," "go outside")
2–3 years2 to 3 Years
  • Vocabulary grows rapidly — often 200+ words
  • Uses short sentences of 2–3 words
  • Asks simple questions and answers "what" and "where"
  • Speech is understood by familiar listeners most of the time
3–5 years3 to 5 Years
  • Speaks in longer, more complex sentences
  • Tells simple stories and describes recent events
  • Speech becomes clear enough for strangers to understand
  • Asks and answers "why" and "how" questions

5 Ways to Encourage First Words at Home

1

Narrate everyday moments

Talk through what you're doing — "We're washing hands, splash splash!" — so your child hears language tied to real actions.

2

Get face to face

Get down to your child's level so they can see your mouth and expressions clearly — it makes imitation much easier.

3

Pause and wait

After you say something or ask a question, count to five in your head. Give your child space to respond in their own way.

4

Read together, often

Books like Bunny's Big Day of Sounds give you natural, repeatable moments to model sounds and celebrate imitation.

5

Celebrate every attempt

Any sound, gesture, or approximation is progress — respond with enthusiasm to keep your child motivated to communicate.

When to Seek a Speech-Language Evaluation

Trust your instincts — you know your child best. Consider reaching out to a speech-language pathologist if you notice:

No babbling by 9 months, or no words by 16–18 months

Limited eye contact or difficulty responding to their name

Not combining two words by age 2

Speech that's hard for family members to understand by age 3

Not sure where to start?

Speech Bubble NY offers evaluations and pediatric speech therapy in Staten Island & Brooklyn.

Visit Speech Bubble NY ↗