Every parent wonders. Here are the milestones the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses, in their own words, plus what to know if your child is learning two languages.
Most children say a first word around their first birthday: the CDC lists calling a parent "mama" or "dada" or another special name by 1 year. By 18 months a child "tries to say three or more words besides mama or dada", and by 2 years "says at least two words together, like More milk". Bilingual children reach these milestones too; count their words in both languages together.
| Age | Talking milestones |
|---|---|
| 1 year | Calls a parent "mama" or "dada" or another special name; waves "bye-bye"; understands "no" |
| 18 months | Tries to say three or more words besides "mama" or "dada"; follows one-step directions without gestures |
| 2 years | Says at least two words together, like "More milk"; points to things in a book when asked; points to at least two body parts |
Sources: CDC milestones at 1 year, 18 months and 2 years.
The CDC does not give an exact number for age 2. Its 2-year milestone is putting at least two words together, like "more milk", which needs a growing set of single words first. Children vary a lot, and understanding comes before speaking.
ASHA (the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) says "most multilingual children use their first words by the time they are 1 year old" and "by age 2, most multilingual children use two-word phrases". A bilingual child may know some words in one language and others in the second, so count both together.
Source: ASHA, Learning More Than One Language.
This page shares general information, not a diagnosis. If you have any concern, the CDC advises: talk with your child's doctor, share your concerns and ask about developmental screening. Don't wait, and don't put it down to bilingualism. EveryLingo is a vocabulary tool, not speech therapy.
Follow your child's gaze and say the word: "Dog! A big dog."
Children need to hear a word many times. Books, songs and short picture games bring the same words back.
Pause and give your child time to point, babble or try the word.
Keep using your languages; every word in either language is progress.
Around their first birthday. The CDC lists calling a parent "mama" or "dada" or another special name as a milestone by 1 year.
The CDC milestone at 18 months is that a child "tries to say three or more words besides mama or dada".
The CDC does not give an exact number. Its 2-year milestone is "says at least two words together, like More milk". If you are concerned, talk with your child's doctor and ask about developmental screening.
No. ASHA says "most multilingual children use their first words by the time they are 1 year old" and "by age 2, most multilingual children use two-word phrases". Count words in both languages together.
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