Understanding Toddler Communication Development
Language development starts to take off during this exciting time, especially as children near their second birthday. This period is marked by incredible growth in communication skills, from first words to simple sentences.
Kids this age are better able to understand what is said to them and express what they want through words and gestures. They take joy in their ability to understand directions — and also like to give directions of their own.
As a parent, understanding these communication milestones helps you support your toddler's language development and recognize when to seek guidance from your pediatrician.
How Do Toddlers Communicate?
Speech and Vocabulary Development
Most kids say 1–2 words by 15 months and 3 or more words by 18 months. By 2 years old, most toddlers are saying even more words and can put together 2-word sentences.
15 Months
1-2 words beyond "mama" or "dada"
18 Months
3 or more words
2 Years
Many words and 2-word sentences
Understanding Language
No matter when they say their first words, it's a sure bet they already understand much of what you say. Your child should be able to:
- • Respond to simple commands ("Roll the ball to Mommy")
- • Look at or point to familiar objects when you name them
- • Follow 1-step directions without gestures by 18 months
- • Point to things in a book and at least 2 body parts by age 2
Gestures and Non-Verbal Communication
Toddlers use more gestures, like blowing a kiss, pointing to something they want, or nodding yes. Gestures will get more complex over this year as toddlers use them to:
Imitate Actions
Copying gestures they see from adults
Express Themselves
Using gestures to communicate needs and wants
Play
Using gestures in pretend play and games
Pronunciation Development
Your child's vocabulary will grow quickly, but pronunciation isn't likely to keep pace. By 2 years of age, most kids are understandable only about half the time. This is completely normal! Emphasize the correct pronunciations in your responses, but don't worry if your toddler's speech isn't perfectly clear yet.
What Can Parents Do to Support Communication?
💬Use Correct Names
Your little one is listening to everything you say and storing it away at an incredible rate. Instead of using "baby" words, use the correct names for people, places, and things.
- • Speak slowly and clearly
- • Keep it simple but use real words
- • Name objects, people, and actions as you go about your day
- • Avoid baby talk - toddlers learn best from clear, correct language
👆Respond to Your Child's Gestures
Gestures are an important part of language development. Encourage kids to respond and participate in conversations by making the connection between their gestures and language.
Example:
When your child points to the refrigerator, ask "Do you want a drink?" Then wait for a response. Follow up with "What do you want? Milk? OK, let's get some milk." This connects the gesture to words and meaning.
🎵Continue Singing and Playing Rhyming Games
Your child will probably enjoy gesture games and identifying things. These activities build vocabulary and communication skills while being fun!
Gesture Games
- • "Itsy Bitsy Spider"
- • "Wheels on the Bus"
- • "Pat-a-Cake"
- • "Peek-a-Boo"
Identifying Games
- • "Where's your ear?"
- • "Show me the ball"
- • "Where is Mommy?"
- • "Point to the dog"
📚Read Colorful Picture Books
Reading together is one of the best ways to support language development. Make it interactive and engaging.
- • Encourage your child to turn the pages
- • Ask them to find things on the page ("Where's the cat?")
- • Point to and name objects in the pictures
- • Read the same books repeatedly - repetition helps learning
- • Make reading a daily routine, especially at bedtime
- • Choose books with bright colors and simple, clear pictures
Communication Milestones: What to Expect
By 15 Months
- • Tries to say 1–2 words other than "mama" or "dada"
- • Looks at a familiar object when you name it
- • Uses gestures to communicate (pointing, waving)
- • Understands simple commands
By 18 Months
- • Says 3 or more words
- • Follows 1-step directions without gestures
- • Points to objects when asked
- • Uses more complex gestures (blowing kisses, nodding)
- • Understands many more words than they can say
By 2 Years
- • Puts at least 2 words together, like "more milk"
- • Points to things in a book and at least 2 body parts when asked
- • Uses 50+ words (though pronunciation may still be unclear)
- • Follows 2-step directions ("Get your shoes and bring them here")
- • Asks simple questions ("What's that?")
- • Uses gestures to tell stories or describe things
⚠️When Should I Call the Doctor?
Most children meet these language milestones during this period. However, if you have concerns about your child's communication development, it's important to discuss them with your pediatrician.
Red Flags to Discuss with Your Doctor:
- • Not trying to say words by 15 months
- • Not looking at familiar objects when named by 15 months
- • Not saying at least 3 words by 18 months
- • Not following simple directions by 18 months
- • Not pointing to things in books or body parts by age 2
- • Not putting 2 words together by age 2
- • Loss of previously acquired language skills
- • Not responding to their name consistently
- • Limited eye contact or social interaction
About Autism Screening
Some parents worry that a toddler who is not speaking may have autism. Doctors look for signs of autism at every checkup and do screening tests for autism at 18 months and 2 years. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's development, talk with your doctor. Early intervention can make a significant difference.
Daily Tips for Building Communication Skills
During Meals
- • Name foods as you serve them
- • Ask "Do you want more?" and wait for a response
- • Describe what you're doing ("I'm cutting the apple")
- • Use simple words for utensils and dishes
During Play
- • Narrate what your child is doing
- • Name toys and actions ("You're pushing the car")
- • Play simple games like "Where's the ball?"
- • Sing songs and do finger plays
During Routines
- • Talk through daily routines ("Time to brush teeth")
- • Name body parts during dressing/bathing
- • Use simple commands and follow through
- • Point to and name objects around the house
During Outings
- • Point out and name things you see
- • Describe what's happening around you
- • Ask simple questions ("Do you see the dog?")
- • Talk about sounds you hear
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: My 18-month-old only says a few words. Should I be worried?
A: By 18 months, most toddlers say at least 3 words. However, it's important to consider their understanding of language too. If your child follows simple directions, points to objects when named, and uses gestures to communicate, they may just be a late talker. Discuss your concerns with your pediatrician, who can assess whether an evaluation is needed.
Q: Is it normal for my toddler's speech to be unclear?
A: Yes, this is completely normal! By age 2, most children are only understandable about half the time. Pronunciation develops gradually. Continue modeling correct pronunciation in your responses, but don't correct your child constantly. Focus on understanding their message rather than perfect pronunciation.
Q: Should I use baby talk with my toddler?
A: While using a warm, expressive tone is great, avoid baby talk. Use correct names for objects, people, and actions. Speak clearly and simply, but use real words. Your toddler is learning language from everything you say, so provide good models. You can still use a playful, animated voice without using made-up words.
Q: How can I encourage my toddler to talk more?
A: Try these strategies:
- • Give them time to respond - don't rush to fill silence
- • Ask open-ended questions ("What do you want?")
- • Respond to their gestures with words
- • Read together daily and ask them to point to pictures
- • Sing songs and play rhyming games
- • Narrate your daily activities
- • Celebrate their attempts to communicate, even if unclear
Q: My toddler understands everything but doesn't talk much. Is this normal?
A: Yes, this is very common! Understanding language (receptive language) develops before speaking (expressive language). Many toddlers understand far more words than they can say. As long as your child is making progress and meeting milestones, this pattern is normal. Continue talking, reading, and engaging with them, and their expressive language will continue to develop.
Q: Should I be concerned if my toddler uses gestures instead of words?
A: No, gestures are an important part of communication development! They show your child is trying to communicate. Help connect gestures to words by:
- • Responding to gestures with words ("Oh, you want the ball!")
- • Encouraging them to use words along with gestures
- • Modeling both gestures and words together
- • Celebrating their communication attempts, whether verbal or gestural
If your child is using many gestures but no words by 18 months, discuss this with your pediatrician.
Q: How much should I read to my 1-2 year old?
A: Aim for at least 15-20 minutes of reading together each day, broken into shorter sessions if needed. Even 5-10 minutes at a time is valuable. Make reading:
- • Part of your daily routine (especially bedtime)
- • Interactive - let them turn pages and point to pictures
- • Fun - use different voices and expressions
- • Repetitive - reading the same books helps learning
Q: What if my toddler seems to be losing words they used to say?
A: Loss of previously acquired language skills can be a red flag and should be discussed with your pediatrician immediately. This could indicate a need for further evaluation. However, temporary periods where a child seems less verbal (due to illness, stress, or focusing on other skills) are different from true regression. When in doubt, always consult your healthcare provider.
Key Takeaways
Talk Constantly
Use correct words, narrate your day, and respond to your child's attempts to communicate
Read Daily
Make reading interactive and fun - it's one of the best ways to build vocabulary
Know Milestones
Understand typical development and discuss concerns with your pediatrician
⚠️ Important Note
This article provides general information about communication development in 1- to 2-year-olds and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Every child develops at their own pace. If you have concerns about your child's communication development, speech, or language skills, always consult your pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist. Early intervention can make a significant difference if there are any delays or concerns.