Speech & Hearing &

Language Understanding
BY Makes
 eye contact Turns
 head toward sound or voice

3 Cries differently for different

needs, e.g. hungry vs. tired
Quiets or smiles in response to sound or voice
Shows interest in faces
MONTHS Coos and smiles
Begins to use consonant sounds Listens
 and responds when spoken to
BY in babbling, e.g. “da, da, da”
Reacts to sudden noises or sounds
6 Makes different kinds of sounds
to express feelings Notices toys that make sounds
MONTHS
Uses babbling to get attention

BY Imitates sounds Recognizes

 sound of their name

9 Uses Increased variety of sounds and

syllable combinations in babbling
Looks at familiar objects and people when named
Follows some routine commands paired with gestures
MONTHS Participates in two-way communication

BY Meaningfully uses “mama” or “dada” Responds to “no”

12 Imitates speech sounds

Babbling has sounds and rhythms of speech
Responds to simple directions, e.g. “come here”
Pays attention to where you are looking and pointing
MONTHS

BY May use 5-10 words Consistently follows simple directions

15 Imitates simple words and actions

Combines sounds and gestures
Shows interest in pictures
Can identify 1-2 body parts when named
MONTHS

BY Repeats words overheard in conversation Points

 at familiar objects and people in pictures

18 Responds to questions
Continues to produce speech-like babbling
Understands “in” and “on”
Responds to yes/no questions with head shake/nod
MONTHS

BY Uses at least 50 words Understands simple pronouns (me, you, my)

21 Consistently imitates new words

Names objects and pictures
Understands new words quickly
Identifies 3-5 body parts when named
MONTHS

BY Uses gestures and words during pretend play Understands action words

24 Begins to use 2-word phrases

Uses simple pronouns (me, you, my)
Follows 2-step related directions, e.g.
“Pick up your coat and bring it to me.”
MONTHS Enjoys listening to stories

BY Consistently uses 2-3 word phrases Follows 2-step unrelated directions, e.g.
30 Uses “in” and “on”
At least 50% of speech is understood by caregiver
“Give me the ball and go get your coat.”
Understands basic nouns and pronouns
MONTHS
Understands “mine” and “yours”

BY Asks “what” and “where” questions Understands

 most simple sentences

36 Uses plurals, e.g. “dogs” Simple understanding of concepts

MONTHS
*Remember to correct your
child’s age for prematurity.
including color, space, time
Most speech is understood by caregiver
Understands “why” questions

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