To communicate means to share thoughts, ideas, and feelings. We communicate through sounds, words, facial expressions, body language, and touch. Children this age understand what many words mean and can say some words. By the time they are 2 years old, they may be putting short sentences together. Talk, sing, and play with your child to help them learn to communicate.

• Talk with your child as often as possible. Pause and give your child a chance to respond to what you say.
• Point to objects and ask what they are. Give your child a chance to respond and then answer with the correct word. For example, point to a car and ask, "What's that?" Pause, let your baby respond, then say, "Car! Yes, it's a car!"
• Try saying something like "Bring me the toy" to help your child learn how to follow simple directions.
• Listen to music and sing songs with your child.
• Read picture books together every day:
  • Ask your child to find things on the page.
  • Point to pictures and name objects, animals, shapes, colors, and numbers.
• Children are very good at copying, so be careful what you say around your little one. Try not to use words that you don't want your child to learn and repeat.
• Use screen time carefully. Children this age learn best by talking and playing with others and touching things around them. Video chatting is OK. If you decide to let your child do other screen time:
  • Choose educational programming and apps.
  • View/play together when possible.
  • Limit screen time to less than 1 hour a day.
  • Do not allow a TV, computer, or smartphone in your child's bedroom.

Your child:

• isn't saying a few words by age 15 months
• doesn't follow a one-step direction by age 18 months
• isn't putting two words together by age 2
• can't point to two body parts by age 2
• doesn't seem to hear or see normally

You know your child best. Call your health care provider if your child has signs that concern you.

How do children this age communicate? Language develops very quickly at this age. Kids understand more of what is said and can express what they want through words and gestures (like pointing). They're learning many new words but are still learning how to say them correctly. By age 2, most kids can follow simple directions, answer simple questions, and speak 50 or more words. Many of them can say two-word sentences, like "want milk" or "no milk." 

How do I know if my child's communication skills are developing normally? Talk to your health care provider if you notice that your child doesn't seem to talk or understand language as well as other kids the same age. Some children learn to communicate more slowly than others but end up with normal language skills. Your health care provider can help you decide if your child needs testing or just more time to develop.