Learning How We Talk: Speech and Language Development Milestones for Children
Speech and language development is one of the most exciting parts of growing up. From a baby’s first coo to a child’s first word, every stage brings new skills.
For parents, teachers, and caregivers, understanding these speech and language milestones is important. It helps you know what’s typical, what to celebrate, and when to seek extra support.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
How children develop speech and language skills
Common milestones from birth to age 5
When to reach out for a speech and language evaluation
Why Speech and Language Development Matters
Speech and language skills are the foundation for learning, friendships, and self-expression. By knowing what to expect at each stage, you can encourage growth and get help early if needed.
Speech and Language Milestones by Age
Below are common speech and language milestones children reach at different ages. Remember, every child develops at their own pace — these are general guidelines.
0-3 Months
Smiles when they see people they know
Moves at loud sounds
Gets quiet and smiles when you talk
Makes cooing sounds
Cries differently for different needs (hungry, tired, uncomfortable)
4-6 Months
Moves eyes in the direction of sounds
Responds to changes in your tone of voice
Looks at toys that make sound
Pays attention to music
Coos and babbles
Makes babbling sounds like pa, ba, and ma
Laughs and makes sounds when happy or upset
7-12 months
Turns and looks in the direction of sounds
Looks where you point
Looks or makes a noise when you call their name
Understands familiar words and objects
Plays games with you (i.e., peek-a-boo)
Babbles long strings of sounds (i.e., babababa, dadada)
Uses gestures like waving, and pointing
Imitates different speech sounds
Says 1-2 words by age 1
1-2 Years
Points to and names a few body parts
Follows 1-step directions
Responds to simple questions
Points to pictures in a book when named
Uses a lot of new words
Uses p, b, m, h, and w in words
Starts to name pictures in a book
Asks simple questions
Puts 2 words together by age 2
2-3 Years
Understands opposites (big/small, hot/cold)
Follows 2-step directions
Understands new words quickly
Has a word for almost everything
Talks about things that are not in the room
Uses k, g, f, t, d, and n in words
Uses 2-3 words
People who know them can understand them
Asks “why” questions
Uses words like in, on, and under
3-4 years
Responds when you call them from another room
Understands words for some colors, shapes, and words for family
Answers simple “who,” “what,” and “where” questions
Says rhyming words
Uses pronouns and plurals
Is understood by most people
Asks “when” and “how” questions
Puts 4 words together
Talks about what happened during the day
Produce v, s, j, ch, l, sh, and z
4-5 Years
Understands order words (first, last) and time words (yesterday, tomorrow)
Follows longer multi-step directions
Understands most of what is said at home and school
Says all speech sounds in words
Responds to "what did you say"
Names letters and numbers
Uses sentences that have more than one action word.
Tells short stories
Keeps a conversation going
Talks in different ways, (i.e. louder outside than inside)
When to Seek Help
Every child develops differently, but early intervention can make a big difference if your child is falling behind in speech or language milestones. If you notice your child isn’t meeting several milestones for their age, has difficulty being understood, or struggles to use or understand language, it may be time to consult a speech-language pathologist.
How Speech Therapy Can Help
Speech therapy can:
Improve clarity of speech
Build vocabulary and sentence structure
Support social communication skills
Boost confidence in communication
At Find My Voice Therapy Services, we specialize in helping children in St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay area through fun, evidence-based therapy in homes, schools, daycares, or virtually.
References
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). How does your child hear and talk? Retrieved from https://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/01/
Hanen Centre. (n.d.). Warning signs. Retrieved from https://www.hanen.org/Helpful-Info/When-You-Are-Concerned/Warning-Signs.aspx
