When should a child start talking, and what if they're late?

The range of normal is wide, which is why general reassurance and genuine concern are both frequently misplaced. Specific milestones are more useful than averages.

Rough expectations:

Around 12 months — first recognisable words, understanding simple instructions, pointing and gesturing.

18 months — commonly cited as around 20 words or more, though the range is very wide.

By 2 years — typically around 50 words and beginning to combine two words ("more milk", "daddy gone").

By 3 years — short sentences, understood by familiar adults most of the time.

By 4 years — understood by strangers, telling simple stories.

What matters more than word count:

Comprehension. A child who understands a great deal but says little is in a very different position from one who understands little. Receptive language is the more important indicator.

Communication attempts. Pointing, gesturing, eye contact, bringing you things, taking your hand. A child communicating actively without words is generally less concerning than one who is not communicating at all.

Progress. Steady improvement matters more than the absolute level.

Late talkers. A meaningful proportion of two-year-olds with limited expressive vocabulary but normal comprehension are late bloomers who catch up without intervention. That said, it is impossible to identify in advance which ones will — which is why watchful waiting alone is no longer the standard advice.

Signs that warrant assessment, and these matter:

No babbling by around 12 months, or no gestures such as pointing or waving.

No words by 16–18 months.

No two-word phrases by 2 years.

Loss of skills previously acquired, at any age. This always warrants prompt assessment.

Not responding to their name, or apparent hearing difficulty.

Limited eye contact or social interest.

Hearing is the first thing to check — glue ear is extremely common and readily treatable.

Referral to speech and language therapy does not require a GP in many areas; self-referral is often possible, and earlier is better.