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Speech & Language Milestones

0-6 MONTHS:

Cooing and babbling;

Continual awareness of sound (turns to sound, stops crying when spoken to);

Uses eye gaze to indicate interest.

Talking Tip: Have hearing tested if infant appears unresponsive to environmental or speech sounds. Use lots of intonation with child, and short simple language. When your infant is feeding, take "turns" talking -- caregiver talks to infant, then the baby drinks/eats. This is an early form of turn-taking. Start simple speech games such as "peek-a-boo". The sing-songy speech of a mother to her child is an excellent way of getting and maintaining your baby's attention. It makes the child more aware of human speech and encourages early social interactions.

7-12 MONTHS:

First true words appear (they are often people, or nouns);

Same syllable is repeated (mama, dada);

Child demonstrates increased understanding of daily routines.

Talking Tip: Respond to your child's attempt at words (i.e. if child says "mama", you could respond with "mama, yes, mama's home". Talk about your daily routines frequently in simple language (2-3 words at a time). This will help to build receptive language skills. Use lots of speech/routine games such as "Paticake", "Itsy Bitsy Spider". Once child is familiar with game, start it, but have the child "finish" the line. (i.e. "The itsy bitsy spider went up the water...", give a look of anticipation and wait up to 10 seconds for any response. Respond to anything, a smile, movement, vocal attempt, or actual word. If no response, finish the line and go on with song.

12 MONTHS:

Child says 3-5 words;

Child recognizes his/her name;

Understands simple instructions;

Initiates familiar words, gestures, and sounds;

Child understands common objects and actions (e.g., cookie, eat, juice).

Talking Tip: Label items frequently. When child reaches or shows interest in an item or action, label it using 1-2 words. If the child is taking something from the caregiver, briefly hold the item, and label it before releasing to the child (e.g., "juice" while holding a sippy cup and giving to child before releasing to the child). Continue with nursery rhymes, colorful books, "Peek-a-Boo", "Pat-a-Cake".

18 MONTHS:

Child uses about 10-20 words at age 18 months including names;

Recognition of pictures of familiar persons, objects'

Early 2-word combinations of words emerge;

Needs are requested verbally such as "more, up";

Child will point, gesture, follow simple commands, imitate simple actions, hum or sing;

Distinguishes print from non print.

Talking Tip: Sing to your child frequently. Use familiar tunes over and over again during daily activities. Words to the songs can be made up to fit the situation. Talk using simple, clear language. Imitate your child frequently in both action and sound, and model correct language. You do not have to "correct" the child, just model an appropriate response. Discuss what your child is feeling, hearing or doing throughout the day. Don't forget to praise your child's efforts to communicate.

continue to 2 yr. milestones...

Related Link: Speech Developmental Norms

*Although children typically develop in the same manner, all children are different and unique. The above are general guidelines as evidenced through various sources of literature and research. If a delay is suspected, contact your pediatrician to discuss. Your pediatrician may refer you for the appropriate evaluation if necessary.

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