Talking 12-18 months
Talking 12-18 months
Children develop skills at different rates but by 18 months, usually children will:
- Enjoy listening to music and singing, and sometimes move their body to ‘dance’ along to music.
- Enjoy looking at simple picture books together with an adult.
- Understand many more words than they can say, including the names of everyday objects like furniture, clothing and body parts.
- Understand some simple questions and instructions like ‘where’s teddy?’ and ‘kiss Mummy’.
- Say up to 20 single words (such as ‘cup’, ‘daddy’, ‘dog’) to ask for things or to comment on what they see, even though they may not be very clear yet.
- Use a lot of babble and single words while they are playing, often sounding like they are speaking in sentences even though they aren’t always saying real words.
- Copy a lot of things that they see adults doing, like saying ‘Hello’ or waving goodbye.
- Enjoy simple pretend play, such as giving dolly a drink or pretending to talk on the phone.
How to support your child
There are lots of things you can do to encourage your child at this stage:
- Look at your child when you are talking to them. This is easier to do if you are at the same level, so get down to their eye level or bring them up to yours.
- Talk to your child in short, simple sentences. This helps them to understand what you’re saying, and also gives them a better chance of copying a word or two when they’re ready.
- Talk about the things your child is looking at or doing. Follow their lead when playing with them and talk about what interests them.
- Repeat words often – children need to hear words many times before they remember them and say them.
- Talk to your child often during daily routines like mealtimes and bath time.
- Repeat back what you think your child means when they don’t have the words. For example, if your child points at the biscuit tin and babbles, you could say ‘Biscuit? You want a biscuit?’.
- Give your child choices between two things to encourage talking. For example, instead of saying, ‘What do you want to drink?’, you could say, ‘Do you want milk or juice?’, holding both choices up in front of them.
Things to look out for
While all children develop differently, it’s worth seeking advice from a professional if your child does not:
- Babble to talk by 12 – 15 months
- Say their first words by 18 months
- Appear to understand some of what you say to them by 18 months
Helpful resources
