Speech-Language Milestones


Birth to 3 months Makes pleasure sounds (cooing) Cries differently for different reasons Smiles when sees you 4 to 6 Months Vocalizes excitement and displeasure Tries to “talk” with you Babbling sounds more speech-like with many different sounds (p, b, m, etc.) 7 to 12 Months Has 1 to 2 words “dada”, mama”, “bye-bye” although not very clear Understands common words used with gestures Tries to sing along with radio/tv	1 to 2 years Says some 2 word sentences (More juice) Understands simple directions (Get your coat) Understands more words than speaks/says 2 to 3 years Has a word for almost everything Combines words in 2 to 3 word sentences such as “me do it” Speech is understood by familiar listeners Asks for objects by name Answers simple questions “what is your name?” Can put a toy “in”, “on” or “under” when asked Identifies actions in pictures	3 to 4 years Speaks in sentences with 4 or more words Tells first and last name Usually speaks easily without the need to repeat words Answers simple “who, what, where, why” questions Understands in front of, behind, above, below, top, bottom People other than family usually understand speech 4 to 5 years Can put together a complete sentence Tells stories that stick to the topic Says most sounds correctly Communicates easily with others Pays attention to short stories and answers simple questions about story Classifies items according to color, shape, form or use

Birth to 3 months