Generally, children begin to babble from around the age of six months and say their first words between ten and 15 months (most start speaking at about 12 months). They then begin to pick up increasing numbers of words and start to combine them into simple sentences after around 18 months.
The "average" 21-month-old can say about 20-50 intelligible words now, understands most daily language, and is able to follow simple two-step directions (when she wants to).
It's not all about speech. Generally, children begin to babble from around the age of six months and say their first words between ten and 15 months (most start speaking at about 12 months). They then begin to pick up increasing numbers of words and start to combine them into simple sentences after around 18 months.
A typical 22-month-old's vocabulary consists of about 20 words, and most toddlers can also combine a couple of words to ask questions or make statements.
Babies reach language milestones at different rates, and this is completely normal. On average, they say their first words between 7-12 months of age and are constructing coherent sentences by 2-3 years of age. Language develops alongside other skills, such as those relating to movement.
After 9 months, babies can understand a few basic words like "no" and "bye-bye." They also may begin to use a wider range of consonant sounds and tones of voice. Baby talk at 12-18 months. Most babies say a few simple words like "mama" and "dadda" by the end of 12 months -- and now know what they're saying.
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), late talkers are toddlers (18 to 30 months old) who have a limited vocabulary for their age, but do not have any other developmental delays. Some late talkers may talk by three to five years of age. These toddlers are called late bloomers.
At what age do babies start talking? Most babies say their first word sometime between 12 and 18 months of age. However, you'll start to hear the early stages of verbal communication shortly after birth.
Your 16-month-old may be able to say as many as seven words - or even more - clearly. But she will still rely mostly on nonverbal communication, pointing and gesturing to tell you what she wants or what she wants you to see.
Between the ages of 2 and 3, most children: Speak in two- and three-word phrases or sentences. Use at least 200 words and as many as 1,000 words.
Important Language Milestones. 18 month olds should use least 20 words, including different types of words, such as nouns (baby, cookie), verbs (eat, go), prepositions (up, down), adjectives (hot, sleepy), and social words (hi, bye).
Most children speak their first word between 10 to 14 months of age. By the time your baby is a year old, he or she is probably saying between one to three words.
Babies as young as 6-months-old can benefit from speech therapy, though most start closer to around ages 1-to-3 when they start. Keep in mind, there it often takes time to go through the process of obtaining a referral, having an evaluation and then establishing a therapy schedule.
Most children speak their first word between 10 to 14 months of age. By the time your baby is a year old, he or she is probably saying between one to three words. They will be simple, and not complete words, but you will know what they mean. They may say ma-ma, or da-da, or try a name for a sibling, pet, or toy.