Sitting with your phone in hand and googling “toddler speech delay” will only make you more worried and confused. As a parent, I know that feeling of insecurity, fear and frustration over your child not talking yet. Which is why I’m going to share with you more about how my toddler wasn’t talking and now says over 200 words.
This article will offer reassurance and valuable tips on how to encourage your toddler to talk more and guide you; however, it should not serve as a replacement for your GP or speech specialist. With that being said, let’s explore how to help a late-talking toddler.
Why Some Toddlers Talk Late (And When You Should Worry)
First-time parents will probably agree with me when I say that everything your little one does kind of worries you. You don’t have the previous experience, so you follow the milestone chart religiously and tend to compare your toddler with others.
It can really eat you up when you attend a weekly session in the kids’ centre, or your toddler starts nursery, and you hear other moms proudly chatting with their toddlers. Meanwhile, yours looks at you, smiles and babbles something you need subtitles for.
Or you celebrate him/her saying mama, while the neighbour’s toddler shouted “I love you, mama” in the garden, and you know he is only two months older than yours. It’s quite natural and easy to spiral into dark thoughts, asking yourself why your toddler isn’t talking yet. Is it something that you do? Is it too much screen time? But you did not allow any this week! Or should you read more books with your little one?
Let me clear your head of these thoughts right away – unless you are severely neglecting your toddler, ignoring them all day long, and making absolutely zero efforts to get them talking…you are doing your best! And you are NOT the reason or the cause!
Firstly, Remember, Every Child Develops Differently…
According to the NHS, most toddlers will start saying their first words around 18 months and then start combining those words into sentences around age 2. But it’s perfectly normal for your child to take longer. Many late talkers catch up easily.
The right support, the environment you live in, and an encouraging attitude can change a lot in less than a month. Some toddlers simply prefer to focus on practising other areas of their life (climbing, jumping, motor skills, etc.), and they need a little nudge towards speech practising. Nowadays, there are many amazing resources to help you through that.
When I first recognised that my little one was delayed in talking, I immediately took action and consulted with his GP and healthcare visitor. They pointed me to the right places and offered support right away. But I also had to sit down and do my homework.
Unless other conditions might cause speech delay (sometimes not visible), there is a high chance your toddler is taking their sweet time. And there is nothing wrong with that. Your job is to love and support your child on their own path.
Speech Delay Red Flags in Toddlers
Being aware of red flags will only benefit your situation. I’m not talking about headlessly following the advice of people who are dealing with similar or worse problems. Observe your child and make mental notes. Film your toddler if you spot unusual behaviours. And always discuss your concerns with their paediatrician.
If there are signs that the speech delay might be actually something more, the early intervention is the best prevention. Sometimes these signs are nothing to be scared of, and many other toddlers show them. Other times, there is an issue that has to be addressed and dealt with.
For example, my son was not talking by the age of 2, and he was displaying rather unusual behaviours (spinning, hand flapping, etc.). So naturally, I contacted the centre for early intervention and discussed the possibility of autism. The thing is, no one will diagnose such a small child with 100% accuracy.
But we considered this option, along with hearing issues, developmental delays or possibly a better daily structure for learning. We worked with two amazing ladies who guided us through these stressful times. Eventually, we got confirmation that our son has no hearing issues and he is not autistic. They recommended getting an evaluation when he is older, if we insist. But one of the ladies (who happened to have an autistic child) looked at him and said he was perfectly normal.
So the real issue was the developmental delay and poor learning structure. But like I said, the early intervention centre opened our eyes and minds. It was the best decision we made, even when some family members said it’s a waste of time and we look for trouble where there is none. Always listen to your heart. You, as a mom/parent, know best!
Red Flags to Watch For
Some of the most common red flags you can look for when it comes to speech delay are:
- No babbling or gestures (like pointing or waving) by 12 months
- No single words by 16 months
- No two-word combinations by 2 years
- Limited eye contact or response to their name
- Little interest in communicating or social interaction
- Regression (losing words they previously used)
- Frustration or tantrums when trying to communicate
- Only repeating words (echolalia) without using them meaningfully
Please remember, these are NOT the final decision. Sometimes a month or two can make a huge difference. For instance, our toddler was not forming sentences when he celebrated his second year, but then two months later, he started to talk in full sentences overnight.
My partner and I made a lot of mistakes in the first two years of our toddler’s life. We did not know HOW to support him, followed the charts and milestones religiously and got frustrated when we did not hit them. Meanwhile, our toddler was perfectly fine, and we put all that extra pressure on him trying to “perfect him”. What we missed was that he is just taking his sweet time.
Therefore, I want to encourage you – if you followed all the steps and spoke with your paediatrician or healthcare visitor, and your child is healthy and has no other issues, please let them. Let them develop at their own pace while you continue to practise with them and support them. Let them surprise you one day and showcase their skills unexpectedly.
How My Toddler Went from Saying 2 Words to Over 200 (And How Yours Can Too!)
My boy was around two years old (not so long ago, actually!), and he was saying words like mama, dada, or happy. He repeated what I said without remembering it later. His vocabulary was poor, and we were both frustrated because I did not understand him, and he could not express himself effectively.
As any normal parent would, I started to blame myself. I cut off all the screen time (he barely had any, but I still cut it down to 1%), and I started to spend hours and hours talking to him instead. But the result was a very overstimulated and overwhelmed toddler and an even more tired mom.
I knew something had to change fast. So I did my research, gathered all the information and material and created a new learning routine. The first week or two, it seemed pointless, and it was very repetitive. By weeks four and five, I started to see and hear drastic changes. And then after 2 months, my toddler went from saying two words to saying 200 words!
You can help your toddler reach that desired milestone and expand their vocabulary. It will get a bit cuckoo in your household for a while. But I can guarantee that it will work.
Steps I Took to Help My Late-Talking Toddler Start Speaking
In order to help your toddler start talking, you need to have a look at your current habits and when your toddler is actively trying to communicate. Are there any sections of the day when your toddler seeks your attention more and tries to talk? Or is it nonstop blabber?
To me, it was important to have a great look at our daily routine. I used to let my toddler watch his favourite shows in the morning so I could enjoy a cup of coffee, and then I would play with him right away. He was trying to talk to Ms Rachel, and that made me realise that I should not just passively sit by. So now whenever he watches his shows, I join in and comment on what he says or repeat it.
Another thing that helped my toddler drastically was when I started to comment on EVERYTHING that I do around the house. Before, I would just mindlessly do my chores in silence while he was playing nearby. It’s not like I was ignoring him, but I was enjoying some peace. But I quickly changed it when I noticed him following me everywhere and observing me. I started to narrate every activity, no matter how maddening it sounds.
This is such a fun way for your toddler to learn new words and expressions. They love it! I know to you it sounds annoying and meaningless. But to them, it’s about being involved and learning at the same time. All your toddler wants is to BE part of your world. To them, it’s not boring or repetitive. It’s exciting. These small, repeatable habits helped transform our days and boosted my child’s confidence to speak up.
8 Proven Tips to Help a Toddler with Speech Delay Talk More
No matter what talking stage you are at right now, here are eight things you can start doing tomorrow when your toddler wakes up to help them with speech delay.
Daily One-on-One Talking Time
Talk to your toddler, not just AT them. They need to feel like they are addressed directly and think about your words, gestures and body language. They need to understand that you are picking up a conversation. Spend 10-15 minutes during playtime, bath time or meal time doing so. No background noise. No distractions or interruptions. Just talk to them about what you see, what you do and how you feel.
Naming Everything Around the House
From the moment we wake up, I actively seek my toddler’s attention and eye contact and say, “Good morning, my love!” He expects it now. And then a million other words. Toddlers absorb labelling and repetition as it helps them navigate through the surrounding world. Name everything you see, do and feel. It might seem silly, but this is a gold mine for your little one. Plus, it builds a strong connection, and it’s a lot of fun for them.
Reading the Same Books Over and Over
This step is something I personally vow to. You don’t need a big library – a few colourful books with images will do the job. Read them again and again until your toddler is sick of them. Repetition and predictability are something that helped my little one fill in the words and sentences. He memorised all his favourite books quickly. And that boosted his confidence and, therefore, speech.
The best books are those with rhyming texts, puppets, simple but catchy phrases and flaps to lift or sensory add-ons.
Limiting Screen Time and Encouraging Play
Cutting down screen time can help a lot, especially if your toddler is in front of the TV way too much. Even watching shows like Ms Rachel or other educational programmes might be overwhelming. Passive watching doesn’t support the back-and-forth exchange toddlers need. Instead, focus on actual conversation and roleplay. That gives toddlers space to express themselves better, even if they just babble. And if you result in screen time, make the watching active by participating in it.
Using Songs and Rhymes
The easiest way to get your toddler to remember new words is through singing. The sillier the song, the better they respond to it. We sing to our toddler all day, every day. Especially songs like “If You’re Happy and You Know It” or “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” support imagination and interactive play.
Repeating and Expanding Their Words
When you learn new words, make sure to repeat them and then add more meaning to them. For example, if they said “car”, I’d say “Yes, a red car!” or “The car is going fast!” This simple expansion helps toddlers hear new sentence structures and more descriptive language in a way that feels natural and connected to what they’re already trying to say.
Celebrating Every Word (Even Mispronounced Ones!)
Don’t worry about the perfect pronunciation now; celebrate every word that your toddler says or mumbles. Cheer for their success, and avoid asking, “What? What did you say?” That will only make them insecure and discourage them from trying. If you want to correct them, don’t be too harsh; instead, respond to what they said, correct the words by repeating them in a sentence and move on. Build their confidence before clarity.
Not Stressing About “Perfect” Pronunciation
And with that being said, stop putting pressure on your toddler by expecting perfection. Even if some words come out completely wrong, be happy they came out at all! Your toddler is not aiming for the perfect, sharp sounds. Just imagine how chaotic and hard it must be for them trying to express such a big thought with those few words they know. It’s like when you try to speak another language but don’t have the vocabulary.
You would be embarrassed as an adult if you tried that and someone constantly pointed out your mistakes or mispronunciations. So please be kind, gentle and patient with your toddler. Focus on progress and stay positive. That will speed up the results way faster than striking for unrealistic goals.
Simple Daily Speech Boosting Routine for Toddlers
Let’s put all that into one chart. You can always adjust it to your preferences and routine. This is just to give you an idea of what to do about speech delay.
Pro tip: Use books, toys, and songs that are part of your child’s routine to naturally boost language every day. Also, avoid “testing” them. Instead of saying “What’s this?”, model language by saying, “That’s a dog!”—then pause to let them repeat if they want to.
| Time of Day | Speech Activity | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Morning (Wake-Up) | Label items during dressing & breakfast | Builds vocabulary from the start of the day |
| Mid-Morning | 15 mins of one-on-one play with toys that talk | Encourages descriptive language |
| Lunch | Read familiar books (repeat favourites) | Repetition supports memory and word recall |
| Early Afternoon | Read familiar books (repeat favorites) | Builds comprehension and vocabulary |
| Late Afternoon | Sing rhymes and use musical toys | Rhythms and patterns help with sound recognition |
| Dinner Time | Ask simple questions like “Do you want more?” | Encourages two-way communication |
| Bath Time | Name body parts and talk about water play | Fun + learning = higher retention |
| Bedtime | Story time and talking about the day | Talk about food, textures, and colours |
Additional Resources for Speech Delay Support
Understandably, you might feel so overwhelmed right now and unsure where to start. Or you tried everything above, and you see no improvement (might be a sign of something else going on). Here are some additional expert-backed resources that can guide you through understanding and supporting toddler speech delays.
NHS and Professional Guidelines
- NHS – Speech and Language Therapy
Learn how speech therapy works, when to seek help, and what to expect. - NHS – Child development (Speech milestones)
A great reference for age-appropriate language milestones. - Speech and Language UK
(Previously I CAN) Offers free resources and expert advice for parents of children with language delays.
Helpful Books for Parents
- “It Takes Two to Talk” by Jan Pepper and Elaine Weitzman
- A must-have guide for parents of late-talking toddlers, based on the Hanen Program. Practical and easy to follow.
- “The Late Talker: What to Do If Your Child Isn’t Talking Yet” by Marilyn C. Agin
- Written by a developmental paediatrician, this book helps you understand delays and take early action.
- “My Toddler Talks” by Kimberly Scanlon
- A workbook filled with play-based strategies to encourage toddler language development at home.
Notable Speech Experts & Therapists
- Hanen Centre – hanen.org A global leader in speech development programmes. Their parent-led approach is used by speech therapists worldwide.
- Kimberly Scanlon, SLP – kimberlyscanlon.com Offers helpful blog posts, videos, and courses focused on boosting toddler speech through play.
- The SLT Scrapbook (UK-based) – @thesltscrapbook A brilliant Instagram account run by a UK speech and language therapist—perfect for tips, reels, and relatable advice.
Final Thoughts
My toddler wasn’t talking and now says over 200 words. This is something I would not have imagined saying only three months ago! Yet here we are – I am sipping coffee, and he is saying, “Look, Mama, I see a red flower!” My eyes are getting watery, and the lump in my throat is growing as I’m writing these words.
I know how worried and lost you are. And I know you will do anything it takes to help your toddler start talking. You are not alone; millions of parents are going through the same thing in this instance. But your next steps will determine how much and how fast your little one can progress.
All the tips I shared with you are something you can start doing today. Hopefully, it will be enough for your toddler to overcome the struggle of talking. But even if not, don’t lose hope. There are resources available to you out there, most of them for free. Trust your gut. If you’re concerned, get the support. You know your child better than anyone else.
But what you will truly need is patience, love, encouragement and constancy. I believe you can help your child push the barrier and say those words you are longing to hear. You got this, Mama!
Frequently Asked Questions About Toddler Speech Delay
At what age is a toddler considered speech delayed?
If your toddler isn’t using any words by 18 months or fewer than 50 words and no short sentences by age 2, they may be experiencing a speech delay. It’s best to speak with a paediatrician or speech therapist early for advice.
How to help a 2-year-old with speech delay?
Talk to your child often, name things around you, read simple books together, sing songs, and give them time to respond. Avoid pressure and celebrate every small progress. If you’re concerned, a speech therapist can offer tailored support.
Can speech delay be cured?
Yes, with early intervention and the right support, many children catch up. A speech delay doesn’t always mean a lifelong issue—it depends on the cause and how soon help is provided.
Why is my 2.5-year-old not talking but understands?
Some toddlers understand everything but don’t speak much—this is known as an expressive language delay. It could be due to personality, hearing issues, or other factors. Speak with your GP or health visitor if you’re concerned.
Is it normal for a 3-year-old not to talk yet?
Some late talkers catch up on their own, but not speaking at age 3 is usually a sign to get help. A speech and language assessment can rule out any serious concerns and guide the next steps.
When is speech delay not autism?
Speech delay doesn’t always mean autism. Many children have delays without other signs of autism, like difficulties with eye contact, social interaction, or repetitive behaviour. A specialist can help you understand the difference.
Can screen time cause speech delay in toddlers?
Yes, excessive screen time—especially passive watching—can impact language development. Interactive play and talking with real people are far more effective for a toddler not talking at 2.
Do boys talk later than girls?
It’s a common observation that some boys may speak later than girls, but every child develops differently. If you’re concerned, focus on how to help your toddler talk through daily interaction rather than comparing.
When should I worry if my toddler isn’t talking?
If your toddler isn’t saying at least 20 words by 18–24 months or combining two-word phrases by age 2, it’s worth speaking to your health visitor or GP. Trust your instincts—early support makes a big difference.
