Toddler Only Saying a Few Words
Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Speech and communication milestones vary widely, and worries about toddler only saying a few words, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
By 18 months, most toddlers say around 10 to 20 words, and by age 2, they typically have 50 or more. If your toddler has fewer words than expected but is understanding language well, using gestures, and learning new words (even slowly), they may simply be on the later end of normal. But if the gap keeps growing, an evaluation can provide clarity and support.
Key takeaways
- By 18 months, most toddlers say around 10 to 20 words, and by age 2, they typically have 50 or more. If your toddler has fewer words than expected but is understanding language well, using gestures, and learning new words (even slowly), they may simply be on the later end of normal. But if the gap keeps growing, an evaluation can provide clarity and support.
- Usually normal when: Your 12-15-month-old has just a few words but is babbling actively, pointing, and understanding what you say - words are coming.
- Call your doctor if: Your child is 2 years old with fewer than 10 words and is not using any gestures to communicate - this combination suggests a significant delay.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, CDC, NIH guidelines, by 18 months, most toddlers say around 10 to 20 words, and by age 2, they typically have 50 or more. If your toddler has fewer words than expected but is understanding language well, using gestures, and learning new words (even slowly), they may simply be on the later end of normal. But if the gap keeps growing, an evaluation can provide clarity and support. At 12-15 months, many toddlers say their first real words between 12 and 15 months, though some take longer. Having 1 to 5 words at this stage is common. What matters most is whether your child is communicating in other ways - pointing, waving, reaching, making eye contact, and babbling with varied sounds. These are all strong signs that spoken words are on their way. It is generally considered normal when your 12-15-month-old has just a few words but is babbling actively, pointing, and understanding what you say - words are coming. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child is 2 years old with fewer than 10 words and is not using any gestures to communicate - this combination suggests a significant delay.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
12-15 months
Many toddlers say their first real words between 12 and 15 months, though some take longer. Having 1 to 5 words at this stage is common. What matters most is whether your child is communicating in other ways - pointing, waving, reaching, making eye contact, and babbling with varied sounds. These are all strong signs that spoken words are on their way.
15-18 months
By 15-18 months, most toddlers have around 10-20 words, though there's a wide range. If your child has fewer than 5 words at 18 months, mention it to your pediatrician. However, if they're understanding language, following simple directions, and communicating with gestures and sounds, they may just be building up to a vocabulary burst.
18-24 months
This is when vocabulary typically takes off. Many toddlers experience a "word explosion" somewhere between 18 and 24 months, rapidly going from 20 words to 50 or more. If your child hasn't had this burst by age 2 and has fewer than 50 words, they're considered a late talker. A speech evaluation can help determine whether they'll catch up on their own or need support.
2-3 years
By age 2, children should have at least 50 words and be combining them into simple phrases. By age 3, most children have 200-1,000 words and are speaking in sentences. If your 2-year-old is still using only a handful of words, speech therapy can help bridge the gap. Early intervention at this stage has excellent outcomes.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed toddler only saying a few words and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your child has fewer than 5 words at 18 months.
- Mention if your child has fewer than 50 words at 24 months or is not learning new words.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your 12-15-month-old has just a few words but is babbling actively, pointing, and understanding what you say - words are coming.
- Your 18-month-old has about 10 words and is adding one or two new ones each week - slow and steady growth is still progress.
- Your toddler understands far more than they say - strong receptive language usually means expressive language will follow.
- Your toddler is in a bilingual household and has fewer words in each language individually, but their combined vocabulary across both languages is on track.
- Your child just had a major developmental leap in motor skills (like starting to walk) and speech has temporarily slowed - this can happen.
- Your child has fewer than 5 words at 18 months.
- Your child has fewer than 50 words at 24 months or is not learning new words.
- Your child seems to understand very little of what you say, in addition to having few spoken words.
- Your child is 2 years old with fewer than 10 words and is not using any gestures to communicate - this combination suggests a significant delay.
- Your child has lost words they previously used consistently - any regression in language should be evaluated urgently.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice toddler only saying a few words — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your 12-15-month-old has just a few words but is babbling actively, pointing, and understanding what you say - words are coming — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 12-15 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Talk, read, and sing to your baby frequently. Narrate daily activities to build language exposure.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child is 2 years old with fewer than 10 words and is not using any gestures to communicate - this combination suggests a significant delay.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is toddler only saying a few words normal?
When should I call the doctor about toddler only saying a few words?
When is toddler only saying a few words normal?
What causes toddler only saying a few words?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about toddler only saying a few words?
Is toddler only saying a few words normal at 12-15 months?
Is toddler only saying a few words normal at 15-18 months?
Should I go to the ER for toddler only saying a few words?
Does toddler only saying a few words go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Toddler Only Saying a Few Words.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed toddler only saying a few words and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your child has fewer than 5 words at 18 months.
- Mention if your child has fewer than 50 words at 24 months or is not learning new words.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your child has fewer than 5 words at 18 months.
- Your child has fewer than 50 words at 24 months or is not learning new words.
- Your child seems to understand very little of what you say, in addition to having few spoken words.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your child is 2 years old with fewer than 10 words and is not using any gestures to communicate - this combination suggests a significant delay.
- Your child has lost words they previously used consistently - any regression in language should be evaluated urgently.
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of toddler only saying a few words are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child is 2 years old with fewer than 10 words and is not using any gestures to communicate - this combination suggests a significant delay.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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