It is a question we get often at Orlando’s First Words Speech Therapy, How many words should my child be able to say?

While every child is unique, there is a pattern children follow as they learn to speak and communicate. Those cries and coos, turn into babbling and words.

The rate at which a child develops language can vary. Those children who don’t develop as quickly as their peers can create frustration, delays in learning and social progression.

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association these are the receptive and expressive language milestones. If your child seems to have a speech or language delay, it is important to reach out to a speech therapist.

Birth to 3 Months

During the newborn period, your baby will begin to respond to familiar voices and attempt communication through coos, cries, and facial expressions. Here is what to expect.

Receptive Language (Understanding)

Startles at loud sounds
Quiets or smiles when hearing caregiver’s voice

Expressive Language (Talking)

Makes cooing sounds
Smiles at people
Cries differently for each need
Startles at loud sounds
Quiets or smiles when hearing caregiver’s voice

4 to 6 Months

Your baby will become more responsive to tone and sound and will begin to babble during this period.

Receptive Language (Understanding)

Responds to changes in tone of voice
Pays attention to music
Moves eyes in the direction of sounds

Expressive Language (Talking)

Makes speech-like babbling sounds, like pa, ba, and mi
Giggles and laughs.
Coos and babbles when playing alone or with caregiver
Makes sounds when happy or upset

7 to 12 Months

As they approach their first birthday, your baby will likely respond to their name and commonly used words and string together more sounds, perhaps into first words.

Receptive Language (Understanding)

Looks when someone points
Turns when you call child’s name
Understands words for common items and people (e.g., cup, truck, juice, daddy)
Starts to respond to simple words and phrases, like “No,” “Come here,” and “Want more?”
Plays simple games, like peek-a-boo

Expressive Language (Talking)

Babbles longer strings of sounds (e.g., babababa)
Uses sounds and gestures to get and keep attention.
Uses gestures like waving bye, reaching for “up,” and shaking head no.
Points to objects and shows them to others.
Imitates different speech sounds.
Says 1 or 2 words (e.g., hi, dog, dada, mama, uh-oh)

1 to 2 Years

During their second year, children understand simple directions and questions and begin to use more words.

Receptive Language (Understanding)

Points to a few body parts when asked
Follows 1-step directions (e.g., “Roll the ball”)
Responds to simple questions (e.g., “Who’s that?” or “Where’s your hat?”)
Listens to simple stories, songs, and rhymes.
Points to pictures in a book when named

Expressive Language (Talking)

Uses new words regularly
Uses speech sounds p, b, m, h, and w in words
Starts to name pictures in books
Asks simple questions (e.g., “what’s that?”, “who’s that?”, “where’s doggy?”)
Combines 2 words (e.g., “more apple,” “no bed,” “mommy book”)

Check back with First Words Speech Therapy next week for more Speech and Language Milestones.