Baby Language Milestones: First Words and When to Seek Help

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General information; this page does not claim clinical review. Updated 29 September 2026. Editorial standards.

Communication starts with sounds, looks and gestures before first words. Children vary, and a vocabulary count alone cannot diagnose a delay. Ask for advice whenever you are concerned.

Examples from CDC checklists

These examples describe skills most children can do by the stated age. They are not average vocabulary sizes or maximum abilities, and do not replace developmental screening. If your child's age is between checklists, use the younger checklist.

By age	Language example
15 months	Tries one or two words in addition to mama and dada.
18 months	Tries at least three words in addition to mama and dada.
2 years	Combines at least two words.
30 months	Uses about 50 words and combines words with an action word.
3 years	Has at least two back-and-forth exchanges in conversation; others understand their speech most of the time.

Support everyday communication

Follow what interests your child. Name it, respond to their sound or gesture and leave space for a reply. Share books and songs in short, enjoyable moments. You do not need to narrate constantly or meet a daily word quota.

Screens and conversation

Protect time for face-to-face play, talking and sleep. CDC guidance advises avoiding screens under two except video calls. A screen habit alone does not diagnose a language delay; discuss your child's overall communication if you are worried.

Children using more than one language

Using several languages does not itself cause a language disorder. Mixing languages can be part of learning. Use languages you are comfortable with and ask for an assessment that considers all of your child's languages if you have concerns. Multilingualism does not guarantee a particular IQ or executive-function advantage.

When to ask for help

Contact your child's clinician if skills are missing, progress concerns you, your child loses skills, or you are worried about hearing. You do not need to wait for a particular word count or the next routine visit.

What an evaluation may include

A speech-language professional can assess understanding as well as communication. A hearing test may be included because hearing affects language development. In the US, families can also contact their state or territory early-intervention service for children under three.

Common questions

Does saying three words at 18 months rule out a problem?

No. A checklist item is one observation, not a full assessment. Raise concerns about understanding, gestures, hearing, social communication or lost skills even when a word-count example has been reached.

Should I stop using one of our languages?

Do not drop a family language simply because several languages are being learned. Seek individualized advice if communication is difficult.