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Your Toddler’s Language Leap — What’s Normal, What’s Not & When to Seek Support

Research-supported; mum-of-three observations — not medical advice.


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If there’s one area that makes parents quietly panic (and Google obsessively), it’s speech and language. You hear one toddler reciting farm animals and suddenly wonder if your own child should be narrating their entire day like a tiny David Attenborough.

Let me reassure you: speech development is a huge range, not a race. Some toddlers speak early. Some wait until closer to 3.Some talk nonstop. Some observe quietly until they feel ready.

Here’s the calm, evidence-led guide every parent deserves.


Let’s Start with the Basics: “Typical” Has a Wide Range

Every toddler develops differently because:

  • Speech = motor skills + cognitive skills + social confidence

  • Temperament plays a big role

  • Some children are naturally quieter

  • Bilingual children follow different timelines

  • Ear infections, teething and sleep issues all impact progress

  • Some toddlers prioritise movement first, talking later

Your toddler isn’t behind just because your friend’s child is chatting away.


12–18 MONTHS: THE FOUNDATIONS

What many toddlers are doing:

  • Saying a few words (1–10 is common)

  • Understanding simple instructions (“Where’s your cup?”)

  • Gesturing (pointing, waving)

  • Babbling with intention

  • Using sounds to communicate wants

At this stage, understanding is more important than speaking.


Encouraging speech naturally:

  • Name objects during everyday routines

  • Lots of pointing and joint attention

  • Pause slightly so they can process

  • Let them finish babbling before responding

No flashcards needed. Just connection.

18–24 MONTHS: THE LANGUAGE BOOM (FOR MANY, NOT ALL)

What you might see:

  • Vocabulary of 20–50+ words

  • Putting two words together (“more juice”)

  • Simple questions (“what’s that?”)

  • Naming familiar objects

  • Asking for help

  • Copying new words quickly

If your toddler isn’t doing this yet?

Still normal — many children bloom closer to age 2.5–3.

2–3 YEARS: THE CONFIDENCE ERA

Typical skills:

  • 2–3 word sentences

  • Vocabulary expanding rapidly

  • Talking during play

  • Using pronouns (“me”, “mine”)

  • Following two-step instructions

  • Attempting songs, counting, naming colours

By age 3, the average person should understand about 75% of what they say — not 100%.

Toddlers are adorable, not always clear.

Common Myths — And the Truth

“Boys talk later.”

There’s no strong evidence to support this. Differences are usually individual, not gendered.

“They’ll grow out of it.”

Sometimes true — sometimes not. Waiting isn’t harmful unless red flags are present.

“Screens cause speech delay.”

Moderate screen use doesn’t “cause” delays — lack of interaction does. A toddler watching Peppa Pig is fine. A toddler watching Peppa Pig instead of interacting all day is less fine.

“Late talkers always catch up.”

Many do, but not all. Early support is never wasted.


Helpful Ways to Support Language (Without Feeling Like a Teacher)

1. Comment more than you question

Instead of: “What’s that? ”Try: “You’re pushing the car. It’s fast!”

2. Reduce background noise

TV off = clearer processing.

3. Follow their lead

Talk about what they’re looking at, not what you want them to notice.

4. Slow it down

Pause. Let their brain catch up.

5. Sing (even badly)

Nursery rhymes build rhythm, memory, and vocabulary.

6. Repeat, repeat, repeat

Repetition is a toddler’s love language.


When to Seek Support (According to NHS & Speech Therapists)

Speak to your health visitor or GP if:

By 18 months:

  • No clear words

  • No pointing or gesturing

  • Minimal eye contact

By 2 years:

  • Fewer than 20 words

  • Not joining two words

  • Mostly communicates through crying or frustration

By 2.5–3 years:

  • Speech mostly unclear

  • Limited interest in social interaction

  • Little pretend play

  • Words disappearing after previously used

And always seek help if:

  • You’re concerned about hearing

  • Your toddler has frequent ear infections

  • You have a gut feeling something is off

Early support = easier progress.


Local Support (Farnborough & Surrounding Areas)


Health Visitors

Routine checks and direct referrals for developmental concerns.

NHS Speech & Language Therapy (SaLT)


Available through:

  • Hampshire SALT Services

  • Surrey SALT Services

  • Referrals via HV or GP


Family & Children’s Centres

Offer:

  • Language development sessions

  • Toddler communication groups

  • Early years play support

Locations: Farnborough, Fleet, Aldershot, Camberley, Guildford, Woking.

Private SALT

Many families explore private therapy for quicker access — practitioners widely available across Surrey & Hampshire.


In Short

Your toddler is learning the complex art of communication — tone, vocabulary, expression, confidence — all at once. Some talk early. Some talk late. Some talk constantly. Some talk only when they have something important to say.

All of it can be normal.

Your job isn’t to rush them — it’s to support them, enjoy them, and ask for guidance when something doesn’t sit right.

You’re doing brilliantly — and so are they.


References (All Verified, UK-Based)

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