Infant Language Checklist
This is a basic guide to typical infant language development. However, it is important to know that children develop at different rates.
By 9 months, most children:
- turn to the sounds they hear
- babble using a variety of sounds (for example ba ba, da da)
- use their voice to get help and attention.
By 12 months, most children:
- respond to their name
- understand simple words (for example, no) and basic directions
- play social games (for example, Peek-a-boo)
- imitate consonant and vowel combinations (for example, da, na, ta)
- may say their first word with meaning (for example, mama)
By 18 months, most children:
- identify several body parts when named
- imitate words you say
- use consonant sounds (for example t, d, n and h)
- understand simple questions
- use at least ten words
By 24 months, most children:
- listen to simple stories and sing simple songs
- recognise and name pictures
- use at least fifty words
- make simple sentences (for example Mummy go out)
Other Checklists: Pre-School, Primary School, High School
We help children with language difficulties. Find out more about assessments and therapy at the Centre.
Contact us for more information.