Why Isn’t My Toddler Talking Yet?

Speech Delay vs. Late Talker—What’s the Difference?

Not all toddlers develop at the same pace, but there’s a difference between a late talker and a true speech delay.

• Late Talkers: These toddlers may have a limited vocabulary for their age but are otherwise developing normally.

• Speech Delay: A child with a speech delay may struggle to make sounds, form words, or communicate in a way that matches their peers.

If your toddler isn’t talking much by 18 months or isn’t combining words by age 2, it’s worth taking a closer look.

Common Reasons Your Toddler Might Not Be Talking

Several factors can contribute to delayed speech, including:

• Hearing Issues – If a child isn’t hearing words clearly, they won’t learn to say them properly.

• Oral-Motor Challenges – Some kids have difficulty coordinating their mouth muscles for speech.

• Lack of Interaction – Babies and toddlers learn through interaction. Less exposure to conversation can slow language development.

• Underlying Developmental Differences – Conditions like autism or speech disorders can impact language learning.

What You Can Do to Help Your Toddler Talk

You don’t need to wait and see—there are simple strategies to encourage speech and language skills at home:

✅ Use Functional Words – Start with words that help your child express their needs, like “more,” “help,” or “up.” (Skip focusing too much on colors, numbers, and shapes at first.)

✅ Narrate Your Day – Talk through everyday tasks, like making breakfast or getting dressed, so your child hears language in context.

✅ Give Choices – Instead of asking yes/no questions, offer choices: “Do you want milk or water?”

✅ Pause & Wait – Give your child extra time to respond before jumping in.

✅ Use Gestures & Visuals – Pointing and demonstrating actions can help bridge the gap between understanding and speaking.

When to Get Help

If your toddler isn’t saying at least 10 words by 18 months or isn’t combining two words by age 2, it’s a good idea to check in with a speech-language professional. Early support can make a big difference.

Want a simple checklist to know if your child needs extra help? Click here to download my free 10 Signs Guide now!