When to Worry About Speech Delays

By Priya Elkins, Early Years Contributor | Baby & Toddler Column | Childcare Standards Council

Watching your baby grow and develop their own little personality is one of the most rewarding parts of parenting. But when speech milestones don’t seem to be happening “on time”, it can be a source of concern.

It’s natural to compare your child’s development with peers or siblings, and equally natural to wonder: Is this normal, or should I be worried?

In this guide, we’ll gently explore what typical speech development looks like, signs to watch for, and when it may be time to seek extra support. With clear, up to date advice and a kind approach, we’re here to help you feel confident navigating this important part of your child’s journey.

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What Is a Speech Delay?

A speech delay means a child is not developing speech and language skills at the expected rate for their age. This can include delays in:

• Speech: the physical ability to make sounds and words clearly

• Language: understanding and using words to communicate

• Social communication: using speech in social settings (e.g., making eye contact, turn taking in conversation)

It’s important to know that delays in speech do not always indicate a serious problem. Some children simply take longer to develop verbal skills, especially if they’re focused on other areas like movement or problem solving.

Typical Speech Milestones by Age

Every child is unique, but here’s a general guide for what to expect:

By 12 months

• Responds to their name

• Understands basic words like “no” and “bye bye”

• Babbles with a variety of sounds (“ba ba”, “da da”)

• May say a few words, like “mama” or “dada”

By 18 months

• Says around 6 to 20 recognisable words

• Points to objects or pictures when named

• Understands simple instructions

• Uses gestures like waving or nodding

By 2 years

• Says 50 or more words

• Starts putting two words together (e.g., “more juice”)

• Understands more complex instructions

• Can point to many body parts or familiar items

By 3 years

• Speaks in short sentences

• Speech is understood by familiar adults most of the time

• Can answer simple questions

• Uses pronouns like “me”, “you”, “mine”

What Can Cause a Speech Delay?

There are several reasons a child might experience a delay, including:

• Hearing problems: Ear infections, glue ear, or other hearing loss can affect speech development.

• Developmental differences: Some children just develop at a different pace.

• Bilingual households: Learning two languages can sometimes slightly delay spoken words (but not long term).

• Neurodivergent profiles: Children with conditions like autism spectrum disorder or developmental language disorder may show differences in communication skills.

• Environmental factors: Limited interaction, screen time replacing conversation, or lack of exposure to spoken language can affect development.

A speech delay isn’t always due to a single cause, sometimes it’s a combination of factors. The most important thing is recognising when to get support.

When Should You Be Concerned About Speech Delay?

While all children develop at their own pace, here are some signs that suggest further assessment may be helpful:

By 12 months

• Not babbling (e.g., “ba ba”, “ga ga”)

• Not responding to sounds or their name

• Not using gestures like waving or pointing

By 18 months

• Not saying any words

• Not pointing to show interest (e.g., pointing at a plane in the sky)

• Difficulty understanding simple instructions

By 2 years

• Fewer than 50 words

• Not combining two words (e.g., “more milk”)

• Difficult to understand even for familiar adults

• Rarely imitates sounds or actions

By 3 years

• Strangers have trouble understanding most of what they say

• Still mostly using single words

• Doesn’t ask or answer simple questions

• Doesn’t enjoy or engage in verbal play

If any of these apply to your child, or if your gut instinct tells you something isn’t quite right, it’s a good idea to talk to your health visitor, GP, or a speech and language therapist.

What Can You Do at Home to Support Speech

Development?

There’s plenty you can do to support your child’s communication in everyday life:

Talk a lot!

Narrate what you’re doing throughout the day. “I’m pouring your milk. Let’s get your blue cup.” Hearing language in context helps build understanding.

Read daily

Reading books, even simple picture books, introduces vocabulary and rhythms of speech. Let your child turn pages, point to pictures, and repeat words.

Sing songs and rhymes

Nursery rhymes are fantastic for early speech; they include rhythm, repetition, and fun sounds that support learning.

Follow their lead

Talk about what your child is focused on, rather than trying to redirect them. If they’re playing with blocks, you might say: “You’re building a big tower!”

Pause and wait

Give your child time to respond or imitate you, even if the silence feels awkward at first. This encourages them to practise taking turns in conversation.

What If My Child Is Growing Up in a Bilingual Household?

Many children grow up learning more than one language, and this is a huge strength. It’s not uncommon for bilingual children to begin speaking slightly later, but this usually balances out over time.

Support both languages by:

• Speaking consistently and clearly in your chosen language

• Reading books in both languages

• Avoiding pressure, let your child explore each language at their own pace

If your bilingual child shows signs of delay in both languages, it’s a good idea to seek advice.

What Happens If I Ask for Support?

If you raise concerns, your health visitor or GP may refer you to a speech and language therapist (SLT). In 2025, many areas of the UK also offer free drop in speech advice clinics or online screening tools.

An SLT will assess your child’s communication skills and offer tailored activities, strategies, or early intervention sessions. You might also be offered group support, especially if your child is close to nursery age.

Early help can make a big difference, so there’s no harm in asking.

Final Thoughts: Trust Your Instincts and Be Kind to Yourself

If your child is developing speech a bit differently than others, it doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong, or that something is “broken”. Every child has their own path, and many “late talkers” go on to develop strong language skills.

The key is to stay connected, talk regularly, and reach out if something feels off. Early support isn’t about labelling, it’s about helping your child connect, learn, and express themselves in their own wonderful way.

You’re not alone in this journey, and your concern shows just how much you care.