By Sarah Lyons

Language development is an essential part of a child’s overall growth and development. It enables them to express their thoughts, needs, and emotions effectively. Toddlers who have good language skills are better equipped to interact with others and develop relationships. It can be concerning when your toddler isn’t talking as much as other children their age. However, every child develops at their own pace and there’s no need to panic if your little one is taking a bit longer to start talking. In fact, there are many things you can do to encourage your child’s speech and language development. Here are some tips and advice for parents of toddlers who won’t talk.

What’s normal? Try not to compare your child to their peers. Every child develops at their own pace. “Comparing is always hard because there’s such a wide range with kids’ development,” said Stephanie Loux, mom of three. “Being part of a mom’s group is helpful to see what peers are doing and talking with other moms is helpful.” 

While some toddlers may start talking as early as 12 months, others may not say their first words until they are closer to 2 years old. In general, most toddlers will have a vocabulary of around 50 words by the time they are 20–24 months old. By the time they are three years old, they should be able to combine words into short phrases and sentences. If your child falls within this range, then their speech development is likely on track.

Encourage speech development. If your toddler is not yet talking, there are a few things you can do to encourage their speech and language development. Make sure to talk to them often. Narrate your day as you go about your activities, describing what you’re doing and asking questions. This will expose your child to a wide range of vocabulary words and help them understand the structure of language. As you are driving, point out the blue sky, the yellow school bus, or the big dog walking on the sidewalk. Use playtime as an opportunity to express feelings, describe options and actions, and talk about the world around you. Reading to your child every day is another great way to encourage speech development. Choose books with simple words and bright pictures that will capture their attention.

Next steps. If your toddler is still not speaking at the age of 2–3, it may be a good idea to consult with a speech therapist. They can help assess your child’s speech and language development and provide techniques for you to use at home. Talk to your child’s teacher or pediatrician for a referral for an evaluation of your child’s speech. Many school districts offer free testing for preschool age children.

It’s also a good idea to get your child’s hearing and vision screened. Hearing impairment can be a barrier for language development and the ability to imitate sounds. Vision impairment can make it hard to see the world around them which can interfere with language development. 

In the meantime, there are some simple speech therapy techniques that you can incorporate into your daily routine. For example, encourage your child to imitate actions and sounds, such as animal noises or simple actions like clapping or waving. You can also try playing games that involve using words, such as “Simon Says” or “I Spy,” or teaching them simple sign language. These activities can be fun for your child while also helping them develop their speech. 

Know the signs of a speech delay. While every child develops at their own pace, there are some signs that may indicate a possible speech delay. If your toddler is not babbling by 12 months old or has a limited vocabulary of words by the age of 2, it may be worth consulting with your pediatrician. Other signs to watch out for include difficulty understanding simple instructions and trouble communicating basic needs and wants. In these cases, early intervention is key and seeking help from a professional can greatly benefit your child’s development.

It’s natural to be concerned if your toddler isn’t talking as much as their peers. You know your child best and if you feel there is a problem, it never hurts to have your child evaluated by a professional for guidance and support. “Trusting your gut and seeing your pediatrician or asking for a second opinion is the best way to be an advocate for your child,” said Loux. 

With patience, consistency, and love, you can help your toddler become a confident and expressive communicator. Remember to enjoy this special stage of their development and celebrate all the milestones along the way. 

Sarah Lyons and her husband, Justin, have been married for 20 years and have six children together.