How Many Words Should My Child Be Saying?
Caregivers waiting to see a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) often wonder, "How many words should my child be saying?" It’s a common question, and before the first assessment, the answers might seem vague, with replies like, "It depends" or "What do you mean by a "word"?" Given long wait times and the uncertainty, it’s natural to want clearer answers. Online searches can add to the confusion! That’s why we’ve put together some practical guidelines to help put your mind at ease. Interested in learning more? Keep reading!
What Counts as a Word, Anyway?
An interesting fact: what SLPs consider a "word" and what parents expect can be two very different things. Your child may be "talking" more than you realize! Early words don’t always sound like adult words and can come in various forms as your child learns to communicate. Here’s what we look for when deciding if something counts as a word:
- Consistency: Does your child use the word regularly?
- Independence: Are they using it on their own, rather than just repeating you?
- Intention: Does your child know what it means and use it in context?
So, while it might not sound exactly like a "real" word, your child could still be making excellent progress!
SLPs count the following as words:
Baby sign language: Gestures like "more", "help", or "all done".
Words: Words like "mama", or "dada"
Word approximations: Sounds like "mo" for "more" or "ba" for "ball".
Animal sounds, exclamations, and vehicle noises: Sounds such as "moo", "uh-oh", or "choo choo".
The Difference Between a Milestone and an Average
Just like other areas of development, language skills develop within a range, and each child progresses at their own pace. Here’s how SLPs use milestones and averages to assess language development:
- Milestone: This reflects what about 90% of children are doing at a given age. It’s a baseline, giving us an indication of the minimum expected level.
- Average: This is what around 50% of children are able to do at that age, meaning it’s not a target, just a reflection of what’s typical.
- Expected Range: Between the milestone and average is the expected range. Your child may fall anywhere within this range and still be developing typically.
Knowing this, let’s look at some specific milestones and averages by age.
Words by Age: Milestones and Averages
Below are general word counts by age. Remember, each child is unique, and there is often a wide range of what is "typical".
- 12 months: Average: 5 words. Milestone: 1-2 words, often "mama" or "dada" used meaningfully.
- 18 months: Average: 50 words. Milestone: 10 words. It’s typical for children to start with simple, everyday words, often a mix of real words, gestures, and sounds.
- 24 months (2 years): Average: 200-300 words. Milestone: 100 words, and your child may start combining two words, like "want juice" or "big truck".
- 36 months (3 years): Average: About 1,000 words. Milestone: 350 words, and your child may form simple sentences, such as "I want that" or "Look at me!". By now, most children are combining three or more words and using language in different ways, like asking questions or sharing experiences.
If Your Child Is Behind the Average—Don’t Panic! A lower word count doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a delay, and the milestone (not the average) is what helps us decide whether to investigate further. For example, a 2-year-old with 50 words may seem behind compared to a peer with 200 words, but both fall within the typical range.
SLPs assess overall language and communication, including understanding, non-verbal cues, and how words are used, so there’s no need to focus solely on word count.
Other Key Areas of Language Development
While the number of words is important, it’s only one piece of the language puzzle. Communication skills also include the ability to understand others, use non-verbal communication, and apply words to different situations (e.g., greeting, requesting, commenting). Foundational skills such as eye contact, pointing, and taking turns are key indicators that children are building the skills they need for communication.
Still Feeling Concerned? Here’s What to Do Next
If you have ongoing concerns, reach out to your child’s doctor or a registered SLP for support. Many caregivers are relieved to learn that there are other ways to assess development beyond word count alone.
We hope this information gives you a better understanding of typical language development. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have more questions or would like to book an assessment for your child!
