Speech and Language Milestones: What to Expect from Birth to Age 5

Every child learns to talk at their own pace. Some babble early and seem to have a new word every day, while others take their time. But knowing the typical speech and language milestones can help you celebrate your child’s progress and notice when a little extra support might help.

Below is a simple age-by-age guide from birth to age 5, adapted from the milestones published by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Use it as a guide, not a test. If something doesn’t feel right, our speech therapists in Idaho Falls and Rexburg are always happy to take a look.

Birth to 12 Months

In the first year, babies are learning that communication is a two-way conversation. Most babies:

• Turn toward voices and react to sounds
• Coo, giggle and blow raspberries
• Look at you when you call their name (around 7 to 9 months)
• Babble long strings of sounds like “bababa”
• Point, wave and raise their arms to be picked up
• Say one or two words, like “mama,” “dada” or “bye,” around their first birthday

13 to 24 Months

This is when words really start to take off. Between 13 and 18 months, most toddlers follow simple directions (“give me a hug”), shake their head for “no,” and use words for everyday people and objects. By about 24 months, most children:

• Use and understand at least 50 words
• Put two words together, like “more water” or “go outside”
• Follow two-step directions
• Use words like “me,” “mine” and “you”
• Ask for help using words

2 to 3 Years

Sentences get longer and questions start pouring in. Most 2- to 3-year-olds use word combinations often, say their name when asked, and ask “why” and “how.” Sounds like p, b, m, h, w, d and n are usually clear. Speech is getting easier to understand, though strangers may still miss some words.

3 to 4 Years

Preschoolers love to tell stories. Most 3- to 4-year-olds retell stories from books, compare things (“bigger,” “shorter”) and use location words like “inside” and “under.” By age 4, most children talk smoothly most of the time, and people outside the family can understand most of what they say. Some later sounds, like r, l, s, sh and th, may still be developing.

4 to 5 Years

By kindergarten age, most children use longer, grammatically correct sentences, tell stories with a beginning and end, use time words like “yesterday” and “tomorrow,” and are understandable in conversation. Many recognize letters, write their name and can spot rhyming words.

When Should I Talk to a Speech Therapist?

Children develop at different rates, and missing one milestone is common. Consider a speech screening if your child:

• Is behind on several milestones for their age
• Has lost words or skills they used to have
• Is hard for family, caregivers or teachers to understand
• Gets frustrated when trying to communicate
• Has trouble with feeding, chewing or swallowing

There’s no need to “wait and see” if you’re worried. Early support can make a big difference, and a screening gives you answers either way.

Get Our Free Milestones Checklist

Want a printable version? Our free Speech & Language Milestones Guide includes age-by-age checklists you can mark off at home, plus tips for building language every day.

Sources

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): Communication Milestones: Birth to 1 Year
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): Communication Milestones: 13 to 18 Months
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): Communication Milestones: 19 to 24 Months
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): Communication Milestones: 2 to 3 Years
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): Communication Milestones: 3 to 4 Years
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): Communication Milestones: 4 to 5 Years

Milestones adapted from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This article is for general information and is not a substitute for an evaluation by a licensed speech-language pathologist.