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A toddler's ability to understand and use words is growing by leaps and bounds every day. And parents can do a variety of things to help.

Early in your toddler's second year, you may find yourself spelling words out loud. Once you could say "cookie" without your child expecting a treat. But now—to head off a power struggle—you may want to substitute "c-o-o-k-i-e."

This is the age when the ability of most children to comprehend language really takes off. It's also a time for you to reinforce your toddler's growing language skills.

This means you may want to use less "baby talk" when talking with your child. Instead, try to:

• Use the correct names of objects and body parts. For instance, say "toes" instead of "piggies."
• Speak slowly and clearly to your youngster. Use simple words and short sentences.
• Read to your child every day. Choose books with large pictures and only a word or two on each page, advises the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). As you read, name what's pictured. And ask your child to point to pictures that you name.
• Make a point of talking out loud whenever your child is nearby. For example, on your next outing to the grocery store, point out different foods. Say their names and comment on them. You might say, "I see milk. It's white. It's good to drink."

Language milestones

Toddlers don't just make big leaps in understanding language. Most also make strides in speaking. Sometime between 1 and 2 years, in general, children can say two-word phrases and ask one- or two-word questions, according to the National Institutes of Health.

In fact, with every passing month, toddlers add more words to their vocabulary. Most manage at least 50 words by the time they turn 2.

Keep in mind that children develop language at different rates. And boys generally develop language skills more slowly than girls.

You may be the only one who understands your child's first words. It's normal for a child to drop the end of a word. For instance, he or she might say "ca" rather than "car." Children also often replace letters that give them trouble with ones they can pronounce, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Be patient with these early efforts. If your youngster does stumble on a word, respond with both encouragement and the correct pronunciation. For example, you might say, "That's right. It's a car."

Also be sure to expand on what your child says. For example, you may say, "Yes, it's a green ball," or "Balls are round," when your youngster merely says "ball." You're building your child's vocabulary and letting your youngster know that what he or she says matters.

When help may be needed

Delays in speech may resolve on their own—or with only a little extra help from parents. Let a doctor know if you suspect your child has a problem or if your child has turned 2 and doesn't yet point to objects, follow simple directions that are given with gestures, or try to repeat simple words, ASHA advises.

Reviewed 11/30/2023