When it comes to language development in children, it's important to remember that each child is unique and can progress at different rates. However, there are some general milestones that most children reach by certain ages. Here's a brief guide to the major language development milestones in the first five years of life.
Birth to 12 months
In their first year, babies start to recognize the basic sounds of their native language. They begin to coo and babble, gradually learning how to make sounds that will later turn into words.
- Birth to 3 months: Babies can recognize their parents' voices, smile in response to sounds, and calm down at a familiar voice.
- 4 to 6 months: Babies start babbling, expressing pleasure and displeasure with different sounds. They also respond to changes in your tone of voice.
- 7 to 12 months: Babies begin to recognize common words like "no" and "bye-bye". They also use their voice to express joy and displeasure.
1 to 2 years
At this stage, toddlers begin to say words and simple phrases, understand simple instructions, and recognize the names of common objects.
- 1 to 1 ½ years: Children can say a few simple words, can point to body parts when asked, and understand simple instructions like "pick up the toy."
- 1 ½ to 2 years: Children start to form two-word sentences, follow simple commands, and name common objects in their environment.
2 to 3 years
Children start speaking in complete sentences and can engage in basic conversations. They also begin to understand the concept of "mine" and "yours."
- 2 to 2 ½ years: Children can use two- to three-word phrases to talk about and ask for things, can follow simple instructions, and understand simple questions.
- 2 ½ to 3 years: Children can carry on a conversation using two to three sentences, understand the concept of "mine" and "yours", and clearly express their wants and needs.
3 to 4 years
Children at this stage can tell stories and can use full sentences. They understand more complex instructions and start to understand basic grammar rules.
- 3 to 4 years: Children can narrate a story, understand most of what is said at home and in school, and people can understand most of what the child says.
4 to 5 years
Children's language becomes more sophisticated. They can understand more complex instructions, can use future tense, and can tell a detailed story.
- 4 to 5 years: Children use sentences that have more than one action word, can talk about events that are happening, have happened, or might happen, and can use a variety of sentences that include "if," "so," or "and."
*Please note that these milestones serve as a general guideline.
If you have any concerns about your child's speech or language development, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional. At Pediatric Teletherapy, we are dedicated to supporting you and your child on this journey of communication.