Language Development for Your 0-3 Year Old - Podcast
Updated: Aug 25
In this article we will discuss:
In the new episode of Parenting Leading and Teaching With Emotional Intelligence and Love podcast, we discuss what parents should be expecting from children at a certain age, how to provide your kid the opportunity to communicate, and how to use technology to engage children in a purposeful way.
Listen to the podcast using the player below:
Episode highlights
As children grow, take information and learn how to communicate and interact with others, parents often wonder what to expect from children and at what age:
Learning to communicate: as you are talking to your 0-3 months and older, you will hear them cooing and you're going to hear them make noises.
As early as four months, little ones are focused on our eyes. And then as they get into eight and 10 months old, they're actually focused on our mouth. So they're watching out the shape of our mouth, they're watching what we're doing as we're talking. And then as they go into one year, they go back to the eyes.
Language exposure: children are so intelligent that they can distinguish between the sounds of two different languages that are in the home;
Turn-taking: when children start playing with toys, what you want to see is your little one at 10-12 months looking at a toy, but also looking back to you, and also wanting you to be engaged in it;
First words: by the first year you're gonna start to hear their first word or an approximation of their first. And then as they continue to grow, from 18 to 24 months, you're gonna see the massive language explosion;
Is your child on track with language milestones?
After the COVID shutdown, there's a lot more need for speech therapy services as children missed out on socialization, facial communication, and emotional communication.
If you as a parent or guardian have concerns, it's not too late to explore getting help. At Better Speech, we offer online speech therapy services convenient for you and tailored to your child's individual needs. Our services are affordable and effective - get Better Speech now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important language milestones for children between 0 and 3 years old?
By 12 months, most babies say a word or two and understand simple requests. By age 2, children typically use 50 or more words and start combining them into short phrases. By age 3, they should be forming sentences and be understood by familiar adults most of the time. Every child develops at their own pace, but these benchmarks help you spot concerns early.
How can I encourage language development in my baby or toddler at home?
Talk to your child constantly throughout daily routines like bath time, meals, and diaper changes. Narrate what you are doing, name objects, and respond enthusiastically when your child makes sounds or words. Reading aloud every day, even to newborns, is one of the most powerful things you can do to build vocabulary and listening skills before formal speech begins.
When should I be concerned about my child's speech and language development?
Red flags include no babbling by 12 months, no single words by 16 months, no two-word phrases by 24 months, or any loss of previously acquired language skills at any age. Trust your instincts as a parent. If something feels off, seeking a professional evaluation early is always the right move rather than waiting to see if your child grows out of it.
Does bilingual exposure slow down a young child's language development?
No, growing up with two or more languages does not cause language delays. Bilingual children may mix languages occasionally, which is completely normal, and their total vocabulary across both languages is typically on par with single-language peers. If you have concerns, a licensed speech-language pathologist can evaluate your child in both languages to give you an accurate picture.
How can I get professional speech therapy for my toddler without a long wait?
Better Speech connects families with licensed speech-language pathologists through convenient online sessions, accepting most major insurance plans with no waitlists to navigate. You can get started quickly, which matters a great deal during the critical 0-3 window when early intervention has the greatest impact. Sessions happen from home, making it easier to fit therapy into a busy family schedule.
About the Author
Aycen Zambuto
I’m a seasoned educator in speech therapy with over six years of experience helping people navigate challenges in communication. Throughout this time, I’ve found joy in guiding individuals through a variety of therapeutic journeys, from toddlers with apraxia to seniors with dysphonia.
I’m passionate about demystifying this complex world of speech therapy and helping readers around the globe achieve clear and effective communication. When I’m not writing about speech, you’ll often find me reading, traveling or spending time with friends and family.
