Let’s Chat: Communication Milestones

Wondering what your child should be saying or understanding at their age? Read this blog to discover key communication milestones for ages 1 to 5!

12 months:

• Understands ~10 words

• Responds to their name

• Recognises simple greetings like “hi” and “bye”

• Makes eye contact

• Uses gestures

• Starts saying a few words

18 months:

• Understands up to 50 words

• Follows simple instructions

• Points to familiar objects

• Says 6–20 words

• Copies sounds

• Uses objects in pretend play

2 years:

• Follows simple two-part instructions

• Responds to “what” and “where”

• Says over 50 words

• Combines words

• Uses “no” for refusal

3 years:

• Follows more complex instructions

• Understands “same” and “different”

• Speaks in 4–5 word sentences

• Asks questions like “what” and “who”

4 years:

• Answers most questions

• Describes recent events

• Uses sentences with “and” and “because”

• Counts to five

5 years:

• Follows three-part instructions

• Uses most speech sounds

• Holds longer conversations

• Tells simple stories with structure

Follow along for more information. Have a question? Call or email us!