If your toddler isn’t talking as much as their peers, or at all, then it’s natural to feel a little worried that your little one might be suffering from speech delays. Maybe you’ve heard other kids at daycare stringing together words while yours still points or babbles instead of forming words. You might be wondering: “Are toddler speech delays normal?” Toddler speech development is as unique as each individual child, but you should recognize the signs of speech delays and learn ways to support your little one during language development
First, take a breath. Many children catch up just fine with language development . But recognizing the early signs of speech delays can make a big difference. With the right support, most kids make great progress and will soon catch up to their peers.
Recognizing Signs of Speech Delay
Speech development is different for every child. But there are some general milestones to keep in mind.
Here’s what to watch for by age:
12–18 Months
At this stage, babies are usually experimenting with sounds. They may say things like “mama” or “dada,” and they should be trying to imitate words or noises.
Things to watch for that might indicate a speech delay:
- Not babbling regularly
- No clear attempts to imitate sounds
- Not using gestures like waving, pointing, or shaking their head
- Lack of eye contact or little interest in social interaction
If your toddler seems mostly silent or doesn’t respond to sound, it may be worth seeking the advice of your pediatrician.
18–24 Months
This is an exciting time in your little one's journey towards speech. By now, many toddlers have a growing vocabulary of 10–50 words. They may start combining two words like “want juice” or “more ball.”
Signs of a possible delay at this age include:
- Saying fewer than 10 words
- Not combining any words
- Struggling to name familiar people or objects
- Showing frustration when trying to communicate
If your child’s vocabulary doesn’t seem to be growing, remain calm. Remember that some children are just quiet. But if your child gets upset when they can’t express themselves, speech struggles may be behind it.
24–36 Months
This is a time when language typically explodes. If you are like so many parents and keeping a journal of your little one’s first words, then this is the time that you’ll probably start to fall behind on the entries because your tot is trying out new words and phrases every day. In fact, at this point, many toddlers form three-word sentences and learn new words daily.
Concerns at this stage might look like:
- Still relying mostly on gestures or single words
- Speech is hard to understand—even for parents
- Vocabulary growth seems stalled
- Not asking or answering simple questions
- Avoiding play with others or withdrawing socially
It’s important to know: these signs don’t mean something is wrong. But they are worth checking out, because early help can really make a difference.
When and How to Seek Help
If your gut tells you something’s off, trust it. You don’t need to wait until a check-up to ask questions and seek possible help. Start with your pediatrician and make an appointment for your little one. They can refer you to a speech-language pathologist if needed.
Here’s what usually happens:
- Initial Screening: Your pediatrician may ask about milestones and how your child communicates at home. If you have been keeping notes on your little one’s progress, then bring them to the appointment so you can share the information with the doctor.
- Referral: If there are concerns, you may be referred to a speech-language therapist.
- Evaluation: The speech therapist will play and talk with your child to assess their skills in a low-pressure way. Remember, this is just an evaluation.
- Recommendations: You’ll receive advice, goals, and next steps to take to help your little one on their language development journey. This could include regular therapy sessions or at-home strategies.
Remember, don’t worry. A referral to a speech therapist doesn’t mean your child is going to need long-term speech therapy. Sometimes, just a little targeted support and assistance can get things moving in the right direction.
And the sooner you start, the better the outcomes often are.
Practical Strategies to Support Language Development
Even if your toddler is behind in speech, there’s a lot you can do at home to help. Every day, moments are full of chances to boost language skills.
Talk, Talk, Talk
Use clear, simple words when you talk to your child. Describe what you're doing: “Now we’re putting on your shoes.” Name things: “That’s a spoon!” Repeat and expand on their words. If they say “car,” you can say “Yes! A red car!”
Slow down a little. This gives your child time to listen and try new sounds.
Read Together
Reading is powerful—even if your child doesn’t say much yet. Choose books with bright pictures and simple text. Point to things and name them. Pause often so your child can chime in, point, or react.
Try animal books with fun noises. Encourage them to roar like a lion or moo like a cow.
Want more reading ideas? Check out our article “Encouraging Language Skills” for fun ways to get toddlers talking during story time.
Make Playtime Talk-Time
Speech happens best when it’s fun. Try these:
- Role play with dolls or animals: “What’s the bear doing? Is he sleeping?”
- Sound games: Take turns making silly noises or animal sounds.
- Sing together: Songs with motions like “Itsy Bitsy Spider” are great for language and motor skills.
You don’t need fancy toys. A pot and spoon can be a drum. A cardboard box becomes a rocket. The magic happens in the back-and-forth chatter.
Celebrate Every Word
When your child tries to say something—even if it’s unclear—respond with excitement. “You said ‘ba’ for ball! Great job!”
Avoid correcting. Instead, repeat it back clearly. If they say “wa” for water, you can respond: “Yes, water. Let’s get some water.”
Keep it positive and pressure-free. Confidence builds with encouragement.
Turn Mealtimes into Speech-Time with doddl Cutlery
Mealtime is more than just eating—it’s a golden opportunity to boost your child’s language development. And with fun, easy-to-hold utensils like doddl cutlery, you can turn meals into playful learning moments.
Try this: make a game out of naming food and utensils. “Where’s the spoon? Can you stab the carrot? Yum, crunchy carrot!” Use exaggerated sounds and expressions to help your child connect words with actions.
Let them take the lead. If they point or babble, respond excitedly. You could say, “Yes, that’s your fork! Fork for pasta!” It builds confidence and reinforces vocabulary.
Plus, doddl cutlery is designed for little hands, so your child gets more control and fewer spills. That means less frustration, more independence, and more chances to talk about what they’re doing.
It’s everyday speech therapy, built right into lunch.
Use Routines to Build Repetition
Toddlers love routine! . Doing the same thing at the same time each day gives them a sense of safety and security. They know what’s coming next and so can anticipate it.. But it also helps with speech.
Think about your daily routine: getting dressed, brushing teeth, bathtime, bedtime. These are all moments packed with repeatable language.
You can say things like:
“Shirt on!”
“Time to brush!”
“Splash, splash in the tub!”
When your child hears the same words paired with the same actions over and over again, it helps them connect language to meaning. Over time, they may start repeating them too.
Don't worry if they don't respond right away. Keep it simple, consistent, and playful. You're building a foundation with every diaper change and bedtime story. Also, the process is supposed to be FUN, so don’t make it a chore.
Turn Technology into a Tool (Not a Crutch)
Screens get a bad rap, and yes, toddlers don’t need hours of screen time. However, when used correctly and together with a parent, certain shows or apps can actually support language development.
Choose slow-paced, educational programs that encourage speech, like ones that pause to ask questions. Then, watch with your child. Repeat the words they hear. Point out what’s happening. Ask questions like, “Did you see the dog jump? What sound does he make?”
Some parents also use apps that let their toddlers tap animals or objects and hear their names out loud. Just remember: tech should never replace conversation. Instead, it should spark it and encourage it, which expands your little one's world with all-new and exciting things.
And if you're worried about screen time, keep it short and sweet. Don’t just let your toddler play with the phone alone, but instead use it or the tablet as a great learning tool that you can do together. A few minutes here and there, especially when you're watching and talking to your little one, can be just another way to practice words together and create an even greater bond with your child.
Supporting Emotional and Social Development
Speech delays can sometimes make toddlers feel left out or frustrated. You might notice tantrums when they can’t express what they want. Or they might avoid playing with other kids.
Here’s how you can help:
- Validate their feelings: Say things like, “I know it’s hard when you want something and can’t say it.”
- Use gestures or pictures: Visual supports like pointing or picture cards can reduce frustration.
- Encourage social play: Arrange short playdates with understanding friends or family. Join in to help bridge communication gaps.
Your support helps your child feel heard, even when the words are slow to come.
Every child develops in their own time. But when you notice signs of speech delay, early action makes a big difference.
If something feels off, talk to your pediatrician. The earlier you ask questions, the more support you and your child can get.
And remember—speech delays aren’t your fault. They’re not your child’s fault either. With love, patience, and the right help, most children grow into confident communicators.
You’re doing a great job.
Ready to Turn Mealtimes into Talk-Time?
Supporting your toddler’s speech doesn’t have to mean more appointments or pressure: it can start right at the dinner table. With doddl’s ergonomic cutlery, your little one can gain independence, confidence, and a fun way to build new words every day.
Explore our range of child-friendly utensils and discover how doddl makes mealtimes easier for both of you. Shop doddl Cutlery and start the conversation because every bite is a chance to connect.