How Many Words Should an 18-Month-Old Say?

The short answer: by 18 months, most children try to say three or more words besides "mama" and "dada," according to the CDC's milestones. Many say far more. By age 2, most put two words together, like "more milk." If your child isn't there yet, you don't need to wait and see. Talk with your pediatrician.

Our son has a speech delay, so this is a question we know well. Here's what the experts say.

What the milestones say

The CDC lists milestones that most children (75% or more) reach by each age. They're not averages. Many children reach them sooner.

Age	Talking and understanding (CDC)
15 months	Tries to say one or two words besides "mama" or "dada." Points to ask for something or to get help.
18 months	Tries to say three or more words besides "mama" or "dada." Follows one-step directions without gestures, like "Give it to me."
2 years	Says at least two words together, like "More milk." Points to things in a book when you ask, like "Where is the bear?"

Notice the words "tries to say." Words don't have to be perfect: the CDC's own example is "ba" for ball.

Understanding matters as much as talking. A child who follows simple directions and points to what they want is communicating, even with few words.

What comes next, by age 2

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) says that by 24 months, many children use and understand at least 50 different words and put two or more words together, like "more water" or "go outside."

Speech professionals use a similar line to describe a "late talker": fewer than 50 words and no two-word combinations by 24 months. ASHA estimates 10% to 20% of 2-year-olds fit that description. Many catch up, and some need support, which is why checking early helps.

Every child is different. As ASHA puts it, "each child develops uniquely, even within the same family."

When to talk to your doctor

The CDC's advice is direct: "Don't wait." If your child isn't meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills they once had, or you have other concerns, talk with your child's doctor and ask about developmental screening.

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends developmental screening at 9, 18 and 30 months, and autism screening at 18 and 24 months, at regular checkups.
• You can also contact your state's Early Intervention program yourself. A doctor's referral isn't needed, and you can ask for a free evaluation of your child's development.

Simple ways to help at home

These come from ASHA's tips for 13 to 18 months:

• Talk as you go. Name what you're doing, seeing and touching.
• Add to their words. If your child says "car," say "You're right! That is a big red car."
• Read every day. Point to the pictures and name them.
• Name things instead of quizzing. Rather than "What's that?", just say "That's a dog!"
• Play pointing games. "Where's your nose?" "Where's the ball?"

Two languages at home is fine too. ASHA notes that "learning multiple languages will not cause speech or language problems."

Toys that invite words

The best toys at this age are ones you play with together: books, blocks, balls, play food and toys that make simple sounds to copy.

• Talking Flash Cards (224 Words): our son loves swapping cards and repeating the words. Listed for ages 2–4, so it's a good next step as your toddler nears 2. Say each word with them.
• Montessori Busy Board: switches, knobs and lights give you lots to name together: "on," "off," "open," "light!" Listed for ages 1–2.

Wondering whether electronic toys help? See do talking toys help speech? For more, visit our speech and language guide and toys for 1-year-olds.

Questions parents ask

How many words should an 18-month-old say? The CDC milestone is trying to say three or more words besides "mama" and "dada." Most children reach it by 18 months, and many say more.

Is it normal for an 18-month-old not to talk? Some children talk later than others, but not trying to say any words by 18 months is a reason to talk with your pediatrician. Don't wait and see.

What counts as a word? Words don't have to sound perfect. The CDC's own example is "ba" for ball. If your child uses the same sound for the same thing, it's a word.

How many words should a 2-year-old say? Most 2-year-olds put two words together. ASHA says many use and understand at least 50 words by 24 months.

Do I need a doctor's referral for Early Intervention? No. You can contact your state's program yourself and ask for a free evaluation.