Tracking Speech Development: Milestones for Two to Three Year Olds

From birth to preschool years, there are key speech development stages that you will see your little one go through. Whether you are a first-time parent or seeking additional guidance, this article offers valuable information on what these key speaking milestones are, and how to support your little one along the way.

What is speech development?

Speech development is the process by which a child learns to produce sounds, words, and sentences to communicate with others. This fundamental aspect of development allows children to express their thoughts, needs, and emotions effectively. Every child learns to speak by listening, experimenting with sounds and talking to others.

While often used interchangeably, speech and language have distinct differences. Speech refers to the physical production of sounds, whereas language encompasses a broader system of communication, including words, grammar, and comprehension. Speech development focuses on the mechanics of speaking, while developing language involves understanding and using words to convey meaning.

Several factors influence speech development in children: 

• A child's environment and exposure to language are significant influences. The more they are exposed to language through conversations, reading, and storytelling, the more opportunities they have to develop speech skills.
• Genetic factors also play a role, with some children naturally inclined towards language, while others may face challenges.
• Additionally, hearing abilities impact speech development, as children with hearing impairments may require additional support to develop their speech.

Key speech development milestones

Let’s examine the key milestones you can expect during different stages:

Birth to 1 year: Early vocalisations and first word responses

During your baby's first year, they will reach important speaking milestones, indicating progress in their communication skills.

• 0 to 3 months: In the first three months, apart from crying which baby’s do very well, they will begin to make early vocalisations like cooing and gurgling. They may also respond to familiar voices and sounds with a smile
• 4 to 6 months: Between four to six months, your baby will start to expand on their repertoire of little sounds to include single syllable sounds like ‘da’, ‘ma’ and ‘ba’. You’ll also notice they start to express their cries in different ways. Learning to identify these different cries will ultimately help you meet their needs more easily whether it be hunger, discomfort, or tiredness. But it’s not all about the cries, you’ll also start to get more smiles, squeals of joy and laughter.
• 7 to 12 months: Your baby will progress to babbling and sound imitation, experimenting with different consonant and vowel sounds. They may engage in back-and-forth ‘conversations’ without really using any distinguishable words, mimicking the sounds they hear. They will also begin to understand simple instructions. Towards 12 months, your baby may speak their first word, and know what it means. Encourage their language development by talking to them, pointing out objects, and reading books together.
   

1 to 3 years: Speech and language skills develop rapidly

It is an exciting time as you watch your little one transition from babbling to forming simple sentences and expressing their thoughts and needs more clearly. Here are the major speech development milestones from 1 to 3 years:

• 12 to 18 months: Your child's vocabulary will grow significantly. They will start to understand and say words like 'mama,' 'dada,' and 'bye-bye.' Simple sentences with two words, such as 'more milk' or 'big dog,' will emerge. Encourage their language development by talking to them, reading books, and pointing out objects in their environment.
• 18 to 24 months: During this time your little one will likely know and understand way more than they are expressing, but this is changing fast. In no time they will begin combining words and following simple directions. They will start joining words into short phrases like 'want drink' or 'go outside.' Their comprehension will improve, and they will understand simple instructions like 'pick up the toy' or 'come here.' Engage in interactive activities, sing songs, and ask questions to stimulate their language skills.
• 24 to 36 months: Your child's speech and vocabulary will expand rapidly and will become clearer, as they form longer and more complex sentences of 3 or more words. They will express their thoughts and feelings using a wider range of words. Encourage their language development by engaging in conversations, asking open-ended questions, and providing opportunities for them to express themselves.

Every child is different and may progress with speech development milestones at slightly different pace. However, if you think your little one has a delay in speech development and is not progressing by speaking single words at around 18 months of age or able to put two words together by 2 years of age, it’s worth talking to your healthcare professional.

Identifying delays in speech development

While every child is different and may progress with speech development stages at a slightly different pace, recognising speaking milestones is crucial in identifying potential speech delays. Here are some signs to watch for at different ages:

• By 6 months, most babies start babbling and imitating sounds. If you think your little one has a delay in speech development and is not expressing these sounds or progressing past this, it’s worth talking to your healthcare professional.
• At around 12 months, if your child does not attempt to communicate or produce simple first words like 'mama' or 'dada' by this age, it could indicate a speech delay.
• By 18 months, toddlers should be able to say at least 20 single words and understand most of what you say.
• By 2 years of age, they should have a vocabulary of around 50 words and be able to combine them to form simple sentences. If your child is not reaching these speech milestones, it is important to seek further evaluation by a healthcare professional.

Common causes of speech delays include hearing problems, physical issues such as a cleft palate, developmental disorders like autism or intellectual disabilities. Environmental factors, like a lack of exposure to language or limited interaction, can also contribute to speech delays.

If you suspect a delay in speech development, talk to your healthcare professional. Speech pathologists can assess your child's speech and developing language skills and provide appropriate interventions if necessary. Early intervention is key to improving speech and language abilities.

Supporting your child’s speech development

As a parent, you play such an important role in supporting and encouraging your child's speech skills. Here are some activities and tips to incorporate into your daily routine to promote speech development:

1. Read aloud: Reading books together enhances your child's vocabulary and helps them pick up on speech patterns and intonation. Make it interactive by asking questions, pointing to pictures, and encouraging them to repeat words or phrases.
2. Singing and rhyming: Singing songs and reciting nursery rhymes introduce your child to different sounds and rhythms, improving their speech clarity, pronunciation, and memory.
3. Play pretend: Encourage imaginative play with toys or props that promote language development. Playing with dolls or stuffed animals can help them practice conversations and storytelling.
4. Proper nutrition also supports speech development. Ensure your child receives a balanced diet with essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamins found in foods such as lean meats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. The chewing and swallowing motions help develop the muscles used for speech.

If you have concerns or notice delays in your child's speech development, talk to your healthcare professional about a referral to a speech pathologist or speech therapist. They can assess your child's speech skills, identify potential issues, and provide appropriate interventions or therapy.

Remember, every child develops at their own pace, but by incorporating these activities, providing a nutritious diet, and seeking professional help when needed, you can support your child's speech development and help them reach their milestones.

Frequently asked questions about speech development milestones

What causes speech delays?

Delay in speech development can have various causes. Common factors include hearing impairments, oral-motor difficulties, developmental disorders such as autism or Down syndrome, and language processing issues. Environmental factors like limited exposure to language or a lack of stimulation can also impact speech development. Consulting with a speech pathologist can help identify the specific cause and provide appropriate interventions.

What is speech delay?

When a child's speech and language development is slower or lags behind their peers, this may indicate a delay in speech development. It may involve difficulties in articulation, vocabulary, sentence structure, or overall communication skills. Speech delays can have various causes and may require intervention from a speech pathologist for assessment and support.

At what age should a child develop speech?

The development of speech can vary, but most children begin to produce recognisable first words by around 12 months of age. By the age of 2, children typically have a vocabulary of 50 words or more and start combining these words into simple sentences. However, every child is different and speech development can occur at different rates. It's important to monitor your child's progress and consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about their speech development.

At what age is speech considered delayed?

Speech is considered delayed when a child is significantly behind common language and speech development stages for their age. If a child is not producing words by 12 months, using simple phrases by 2 years, or showing limited progress in communication skills, it may indicate a speech delay. Consulting with a healthcare professional or speech pathologist is recommended for proper assessment and intervention.