When your child isn't talking — or isn't being understood
Speech and language development varies widely, but delays are common and very treatable. Here's what typical development looks like, when to be concerned, and how speech therapy helps.
When should a child start talking?
Most children say their first words by 12 months and use 50+ words by age 2. By age 3, most speech should be understandable to strangers. If your child isn't meeting these milestones, a speech evaluation can identify the cause and guide next steps.
Articles & guides
In-depth resources written for parents — no clinical jargon.
Speech & language milestones
What most children can do at each age — and when to seek an evaluation.
| Age | Typical skill |
|---|---|
| 6 months | Babbles and responds to voices |
| 12 months | Says 1–2 words like 'mama' or 'dada' |
| 18 months | Uses 10–20 words; points to objects |
| 2 years | Uses 50+ words; starts combining two words |
| 3 years | Speaks in short sentences; mostly understood by strangers |
| 4 years | Tells stories; uses 4–5 word sentences |
| 5 years | Speaks clearly; uses complex sentences |
Milestones are averages. If your child is missing multiple milestones or you have concerns, request an evaluation — early intervention is always better than waiting.
Related services at Kredo Health
Our specialists work together so your child gets coordinated care under one roof.
Questions parents ask us
Straight answers to the things families want to know.
Concerned about your child's speech?
Our speech-language pathologists work with children from infancy through adolescence. Request an evaluation and we'll help you understand what's happening and what to do next.