Toddler Talk: What to Expect from 12 to 24 Months
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Your toddler is growing fast—and so is their ability to communicate. Between 12 and 24 months, children make big leaps in speech and language, moving from simple words to short phrases.
12–18 Months:
By this age, most toddlers can say 5–10 words and understand far more. They begin using gestures (like pointing), follow simple directions (“Come here”), and recognize names of familiar people and objects.
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18–24 Months:
Vocabulary grows quickly—some toddlers may say 50+ words by age two. They begin putting two words together (“more juice,” “mama go”) and ask basic questions. Their understanding of language also deepens, helping them follow more complex instructions.
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Watch for Red Flags:
Every child develops differently, but if your toddler isn’t using at least a few words by 18 months or not combining words by age two, it might be time to talk with a speech-language pathologist.
