First Words to First Phrases – Speech & Language Milestones for Ages 1-2
By: Lydia Stimpson, M.S. CF-SLP
The toddler years bring exciting language growth! Between their first and second birthdays, children go from saying a few words to combining them into short phrases. Here’s what to expect:
Speech & Language Milestones (12-24 Months)
12-18 Months
- Vocabulary grows to about 10-50 words
- Uses common words like “mama,” “dada,” and simple nouns (ball, dog, milk)
- Understands simple commands (“Give me the toy”)
- Points to objects or pictures in books when named
- Babbles with speech-like patterns
- Imitates animal sounds and environmental noises
- Uses gestures (waving, shaking head for “no”)
18-24 Months
- Vocabulary expands to 50+ words
- Begins to combine two words (“more juice,” “big truck”)
- Names familiar objects and people
- Asks simple questions (“What’s that?”)
- Follows simple two-step directions (“Get your shoes and bring them to me”)
- Speech is about 25-50% intelligible to unfamiliar listeners
How to Encourage Speech & Language Development
- Talk throughout the day – Describe what you’re doing as you cook, clean, and play
- Expand on what they say – If they say “dog,” respond with “Yes, the big dog is running!”
- Read together – Use interactive books with simple words and repetition
- Sing songs and play games – Nursery rhymes and fingerplays encourage word learning
- Give choices – Ask “Do you want apple or banana?” to promote verbal responses
By age two, toddlers are actively communicating with words and short phrases, setting the stage for even more language growth in the years ahead!
Request an appointment online to speak with a speech therapist for free. Our team offers complimentary phone screening for parents who have questions about their child’s development.
