when will children start talking doctor ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Children typically start talking in stages, and the timeline can vary widely from one child to another. Here’s a general overview of when you might expect your child to begin talking:

1. Babbling (4-6 Months)

Around this age, babies begin to make sounds that resemble speech. This includes cooing and babbling (repeating consonant-vowel combinations like "ba-ba" or "da-da").

2. First Words (12-14 Months)

Most children will say their first recognizable words between 12 and 14 months. Common first words often include "mama," "dada," or names of familiar objects.

3. Vocabulary Growth (18-24 Months)

By 18 months, many children can say about 10-25 words. By 24 months, their vocabulary typically expands to around 50 words, and they may start to combine two words to form simple phrases (like "more juice" or "mommy go").

4. Simple Sentences (2-3 Years)

By age 2, most children can put together two to four-word sentences and have a vocabulary of about 200 words. By age 3, they can form more complex sentences and be understood by people outside the family.

5. Clear Speech (3-4 Years)

By the time they are 3 to 4 years old, children typically have a vocabulary of several hundred words and can express themselves clearly. They can follow simple directions and answer questions.

6. Complex Speech (4-5 Years)

By age 4-5, children usually start using more complex sentences and can tell stories. Their vocabulary continues to grow, and they can understand and use more advanced grammar.

When to Seek Help

If your child is not meeting these milestones, it may be helpful to consult with a pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist. Signs that you might want to seek help include:

Not babbling by 12 months.

Not using any words by 15 months.

Not combining words by 2 years.

Difficulty being understood by family members by age 3.

Conclusion

Every child develops at their own pace, so while these are typical milestones, some children may be ahead or behind without any underlying issues. If you have concerns about your child's speech and language development, consulting a healthcare professional can provide guidance and support.