We often hear from parents that one of the most exciting parts of parenthood is being able to watch their little one grow and develop. What their child couldn’t do yesterday, they’re currently starting to today! One significant aspect of development is language acquisition. From their first babble to their first words, language skills are crucial for communication and social interaction. In this article, we'll delve into the exciting journey of language development from 1 to 4 years of age, providing you with a rough idea of how many words your child should be using at each stage. Remember, every child is unique, so these milestones are just general guidelines, and embracing your child's individual progress is key to their communication success.

1 Year Old:

Around the age of 1 year, your child will begin to use their first words, marking the start of their word journey. At this stage, most children will typically use around 1 to 3 meaningful words consistently. These words often include simple and familiar terms such as "mama," "dada," "bye-bye," or "up." Remember, their early attempts at speech may not be perfectly clear, but they are exciting steps towards communication.

18 Months:

By 18 months, your child's vocabulary will likely expand to approximately 10 to 20 words. They will start using more familiar nouns, verbs, and some simple adjectives. Their ability to understand and follow simple instructions may also improve. Encourage their language development by actively engaging with them through books, songs, and interactive play.

2 Years Old:

Around the age of 2, your child's vocabulary will take a significant leap, reaching around 200 to 300 words. If you find it almost impossible to keep track of how many words your child is using, it’s likely because their vocabulary is growing day by day! They will start combining words into 2-word phrases, such as "more juice," "big truck," or "cookie mama." Their speech may still contain errors, but they are making great progress in expressing themselves.

3 Years Old:

At 3 years old, your child's vocabulary will continue to flourish, with an average of 1,000 words or more. They will begin to use more complex sentences and show improved grammar skills. Their language comprehension will also be more advanced, allowing them to follow more detailed instructions and engage in meaningful conversations.

4 Years Old:

By the age of 4, your child's language skills will become even more sophisticated. They will be able to communicate with fluency and use a wide range of words and phrases. Their sentences will become longer and more grammatically correct. At this stage, their ability to ask and answer questions will also become more developed, showcasing their growing curiosity and cognitive abilities. Your child might still have some difficulty with saying some speech sounds, but most of their sounds will sound adult-like at this age.

Embracing Individual Progress:

It's important to remember that every child develops at their own pace. Some children may reach these language milestones earlier, while others may take a little longer. The key is to provide a supportive and language-rich environment, where your child can freely explore and practice their communication skills. Engage in conversations, read together, and encourage their interests and ideas. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small, as they build the foundation for confident and effective communication throughout their lives.

When to See an SLP:

While each child’s communication journey is unique, it’s essential to be aware of when to seek help from an SLP if your child is not yet reaching specific milestones.

If your child is not yet using any meaningful words or using less than 10 words by 18 months of age
If your child is not yet using at least 50 words by 24 months of age
If your child is not yet starting to put 2 words together by 24 months of age
If your child is not yet using short sentences by 3 years of age
If your child is having a difficult time following directions and attending to short stories by 3 years of age
If others are not able to fully understand your child’s talking by 4 years of age

As always, you know your child best. Should you ever have any concerns about your child’s speech and language development, we always recommend you seek support earlier rather than later from an SLP. No question or concern is too small when it comes to your child. Talking to an SLP will provide you with the information, strategies, and next steps you can start today to support your child’s language development.

At Grow onWords, we offer families the ability to book in-person appointments directly online with daytime, evening, and weekend availability to suit your family’s schedule. Book your appointment here today if you have any concerns or questions regarding your child’s language development.

Exploring Language Milestones: How Many Words Should My Child Be Using from 1 to 4 Years Old?