Most kids say “mama” or “dada” by 12 months, try three or more other words by 18 months and string two words together by age 2. Not there yet, or losing words they had? Call your pediatrician and ask for a free evaluation now. Waiting it out is the one move experts say to skip.

By our editors · Facts checked October 7, 2026. This guide is general information, not medical advice.

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The short version

  • The CDC milestones show what 75% or more of kids can do at each age. Missing one is a reason to check in, not a diagnosis.
  • Understanding words, pointing and waving count as much as talking.
  • Under 3 in Massachusetts? Anyone can refer your child to Early Intervention, with no out-of-pocket cost.
  • Age 3 and up? Your public school district evaluates for free when you ask in writing.
  • Two languages at home do not cause speech delays.
A mother and her baby smile at each other face to face
Photo: John Marfe Bitoon / Unsplash

Speech milestones by age: what most kids can do

The CDC’s milestone checklists describe what most children, 75% or more, do by each age. So if your child isn’t doing several things on the list, that’s worth a conversation. ASHA, the speech-language pathologists’ professional group, also suggests checking the age ranges just before and after your child’s age.

By this ageMost kids can (CDC)
2 monthsMake sounds other than crying; react to loud sounds
6 monthsTake turns making sounds with you; blow “raspberries”; squeal
9 monthsBabble strings like “mamama” and “bababa”; lift arms to be picked up
12 monthsWave bye-bye; call a parent “mama,” “dada” or another special name; understand “no”
15 monthsTry one or two words besides “mama” or “dada”; point to ask for something
18 monthsTry three or more words besides “mama” or “dada”; follow a one-step direction without a gesture
2 yearsPut at least two words together; point to pictures in a book when asked; point to two body parts
30 monthsSay about 50 words; combine two or more words, including an action word
3 yearsHold a short back-and-forth conversation; ask who, what, where or why; be understood by others most of the time
4 yearsSpeak in sentences of four or more words; tell you about something from their day
5 yearsTell a simple story with at least two events; keep a conversation going; notice simple rhymes

Quick vocab check: speech is how clearly your child makes sounds. Language is understanding and using words and gestures. Late talking is common. The American Academy of Pediatrics says about 1 in 5 children learn to talk later than their peers. The same AAP page says that when a child is behind in both understanding and talking, and hearing checks out, a fuller evaluation is needed.

When should I worry about my child’s speech?

Bring it up at the next checkup, or call sooner, if:

  • Your child isn’t doing several things on the milestone list for their age.
  • Your child loses words or skills they used to have. The CDC says to talk with the doctor and act early.
  • Your child doesn’t seem to understand simple words or directions.
  • Your child rarely points, waves or uses other gestures.
  • You often repeat yourself or raise your voice to be heard. ASHA suggests a hearing check in that case.
  • Your gut says something is off.

The AAP recommends developmental screening at the 9-, 18- and 30-month checkups. If you’re told your child will catch up but you’re still worried, the AAP says it’s OK to get a second opinion. You can also call Early Intervention yourself.

Under 3: get a free evaluation from Massachusetts Early Intervention

Early Intervention (EI) is run by the state Department of Public Health for kids from birth to 3. A child may qualify for missed milestones, certain diagnoses, or a medical or social history that raises the risk of a delay.

How to get started

  1. Find the program for your city or town with the state’s EI program finder.
  2. Call and say you want your child evaluated. Massachusetts says anyone can refer a child, and the CDC notes you don’t need a doctor’s referral.
  3. A team evaluates your child using a standard assessment tool plus your input and your child’s records, according to the state IFSP handbook.
  4. If your child qualifies, you and the team write an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) within 45 days of the referral.

What does Early Intervention cost?

Nothing out of pocket, the state says. EI may bill your health insurance, but only with your consent. Say no, and you still get the services in your plan.

What happens at age 3?

EI ends the day before your child’s third birthday, and the team must hold a transition meeting at least 90 days before, per the IFSP handbook. State special education rules require districts to evaluate EI kids who may qualify starting at age 2½, so help can start on time.

Age 3 and up: ask your school district

Massachusetts districts provide Early Childhood Special Education for ages 3 to 5 at no cost. Services can happen at home, in a child care program or at a public school. Shopping for a program? Start with our guide to finding a good daycare in Massachusetts.

  • Write to your district’s special education office and ask for an evaluation. State rules let parents make the referral. Keep a dated copy.
  • The district must send written notice seeking your consent within five school days.
  • Once you consent, it has 30 school days to finish the evaluation.
  • If your child is eligible, the team writes an IEP with you. Our explainer on IEPs vs. 504 plans breaks down the paperwork.

Need a guide? The Federation for Children with Special Needs, listed in the state EI directory, helps families: 800-331-0688.

What actually helps at home

  • Narrate your day. Name what you see and what your child is looking at.
  • Read together every day and point to pictures as you name them. Our guide to teaching your child to read at home has easy starters.
  • Wait. Give your child time to answer, then respond to every sound, word or gesture.
  • Add one word. If your child says “ball,” you say “big ball.”
  • Cut back on screens. ASHA advises setting limits and using that time to talk, read and play. Here’s what the AAP now says about screen time.

What we’d use

First 100 Words (padded board book, Roger Priddy)

One photo, one word per item: perfect for point, name, wait. The retailer listing says it’s for babies, toddlers and young children, with sturdy board pages.

Check price at Bookshop.org →

What we’d use

Speech Blubs app

Kids watch short videos of other kids saying words, then copy them. Many families like it for extra practice. The company says it’s for ages 1 to 8 and supplements, not replaces, speech therapy. Use it together, briefly.

Check price at Speech Blubs →

Raising a bilingual kid? Keep going

Using more than one language does not cause or worsen speech or language problems, according to ASHA. Talk with your child in the language you’re most comfortable using, and ASHA suggests reading to them in the languages they’re learning.

ASHA advises seeing a speech-language pathologist (SLP) when problems show up in all of a child’s languages. Its ProFind directory lists SLPs by language, and any SLP can work with an interpreter. Massachusetts EI staff will review your family’s rights in your native language unless that’s clearly not possible.

For children who need extra support

Hearing loss, autism, Down syndrome, and premature birth or low birth weight are among the possible causes of language disorders ASHA lists. Kids with certain diagnoses or risk factors can qualify for EI before a delay shows up, so ask early. If you’re also noticing social differences, read our guide to early signs of autism and ADHD.

Some kids communicate best with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC): signs, picture boards or a speech-generating device. The AAP says AAC does not prevent speech, and research shows it supports spoken language. Getting help early can prevent later problems with behavior, learning, reading and friendships, ASHA notes. More on our inclusive care hub.

Common questions

Will my late talker just catch up?

Some do. The AAP says simple speech delays are sometimes temporary, but you can’t tell which kids will catch up without an evaluation. The AAP’s advice to parents: don’t “wait and see.”

Do I need a doctor’s referral for Early Intervention in Massachusetts?

No. Anyone can refer a child under 3, including a parent. Find your local program and call. Still loop in your pediatrician so they can check hearing and overall health.

How clear should my child’s speech be?

It sharpens over years. The AAP says that around age 2, others understand a child about half the time. By 3, the CDC expects most kids to be understood by others most of the time. If even family rarely understands your 3-year-old, ask about an evaluation.

Looking for bilingual care or pediatric therapy on the North Shore? Our publisher, Treehouse Learning Center, has programs in Lynn.

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