Age-Appropriate Speech and Language Milestones Speech and language development is a crucial aspect of a child’s growth and plays a significant role in their cognitive, social, and emotional development.
As children progress through different stages of development, they reach various speech and language milestones. Understanding these milestones can help parents and caregivers identify potential delays or issues and seek appropriate support. Here are some age-appropriate speech and language milestones:
Birth to 3 Months
- Startles to loud sounds
- Quiets or smiles when spoken to
- Makes gurgling sounds
- Cries differently for different needs
4 to 6 Months
- Enjoys playing with sounds
- Babbles and squeals
- Laughs and chuckles
- Turns head towards sounds
7 Months to 1 Year
- Responds to name
- Understands simple words
- Babbles using different sounds
- Imitates different sounds
- Points to familiar objects
- Waves and plays pat-a-cake
1 to 2 Years
- Follows simple instructions
- Points to pictures in a book
- Asks questions using one-word phrases
- Puts two words together
- Names familiar objects
- Sings simple songs
- Follows two-step instructions
2 to 3 Years
- Follows three-step instructions
- Asks many questions
- Answers simple questions
- Puts three to four words together
- Tells stories
- Sings songs
- Follows rules in simple board games
It’s important to note that every child develops at their own pace, and some variation in the timing of these milestones is normal. However, if you notice significant delays or concerns in your child’s speech and language development, it’s best to consult with a pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist for further evaluation and support.
Source: Stanford Children’s Health