My Toddler Isn’t Talking Yet

As parents, we often watch every little milestone our toddlers achieve—smiling, crawling, walking, and then talking. But what happens when your toddler doesn’t seem to be hitting those talking milestones as expected? It’s natural to feel worried or unsure about what’s “normal.”

When Do Toddlers Typically Start Talking?

In Australia, the general guideline for speech development is as follows:

• By 12 months: Your child might be saying their first words, like “mama” or “dada.”

• By 18 months: Many toddlers have around 10–20 words in their vocabulary.

• By 2 years: Children typically use two-word phrases like “want cookie” or “go park” and have about 50 or more words.

It’s important to remember that all children develop at their own pace, and some may take a little longer to start talking. But there are key signs to watch for that might indicate it’s time to seek extra support.

Signs You Should Check In

While every toddler is unique, here are some reasons to consider reaching out to a speech therapist:

• Your child isn’t using words by 18 months.

• They aren’t combining two words together by age 2.

• They seem to have difficulty understanding simple instructions.

• Their speech isn’t improving over time.

If you’re feeling unsure or think something isn’t quite right, it’s always worth talking to a professional.

Speech Therapy: A Helpful Next Step

Speech therapy is here to support your child’s communication journey. A speech therapist can assess your toddler’s development, answer your questions, and provide strategies to encourage talking. Sometimes, early support is all that’s needed to help your child get back on track.

Seeking help doesn’t mean something is wrong with your parenting or your child. It simply means you’re being proactive and giving your toddler the best possible start.

Trust Your Instincts

If you’re concerned or just want a second opinion, trust your gut. You know your child better than anyone else. Reaching out for guidance early on can make a big difference.

Remember, every child’s speech journey is unique. If your toddler isn’t talking yet, there’s support available to help them—and you—along the way.

Remember to be kind and share joy!

-            Allanah (speech therapist)