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First words: a checklist, what to expect and when to ask

The CDC's milestone checklists say that by 15 months most children try to say one or two words besides “mama” or “dada”, by 18 months three or more, by 2 years at least two words together, like “More milk”, and by 30 months about 50 words. If you're worried, talk with your child's doctor; you don't have to wait.

Checked October 29, 2026.

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Tick the words you hear

Tap a word the first time you hear your child say it (or sign it, or say their own version, like “ba” for ball). The date is kept. It's not a test: the words a child says first depend on what they hear every day. ASHA's milestones for 19 to 24 months name words “for food, toys, animals, and body parts”, so the list starts there.

0 words so far

First words parent.peabody.kids/talk/first-words

People
Little social words
Food and drink
Animals
Body parts
Toys and things
Action words

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When do babies say their first words? The CDC's language milestones

These are the language and communication milestones on the CDC's Learn the Signs. Act Early. checklists, in the CDC's own words. The CDC defines a milestone as something “most children (75% or more) can do by a certain age”, so many children do it earlier.

Language and communication milestones (CDC, checklists reviewed 16 May 2026)
ByMost children
1 year
  • Waves “bye-bye”
  • Calls a parent “mama” or “dada” or another special name
  • Understands “no” (pauses briefly or stops when you say it)
15 months
  • Tries to say one or two words besides “mama” or “dada,” like “ba” for ball or “da” for dog
  • Looks at a familiar object when you name it
  • Follows directions given with both a gesture and words. For example, he gives you a toy when you hold out your hand and say, “Give me the toy.”
  • Points to ask for something or to get help
18 months
  • Tries to say three or more words besides “mama” or “dada”
  • Follows one-step directions without any gestures, like giving you the toy when you say, “Give it to me.”
2 years
  • Points to things in a book when you ask, like “Where is the bear?”
  • Says at least two words together, like “More milk.”
  • Points to at least two body parts when you ask him to show you
  • Uses more gestures than just waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss or nodding yes
30 months
  • Says about 50 words
  • Says two or more words together, with one action word, like “Doggie run”
  • Names things in a book when you point and ask, “What is this?”
  • Says words like “I,” “me,” or “we”

How can I help my toddler talk more?

From ASHA's tips for 13 to 24 months:

  • Talk to your child as you do things and go places. On a walk, point to and name what you see.
  • Use short words and sentences your child can repeat, and add to the words they say: if they say “car”, you say “That is a big red car.”
  • Ask your child to name pictures. If they don't answer, name them yourself.
  • Give two-step directions, like “Get the ball and put it in the box.”
  • Tell stories or read every day, with books that have large pictures and a few words on each page.
  • Talk in the languages you are most comfortable using.

Worried about your child's talking?

Talk with your child's doctor and ask about a developmental screening, the CDC says. You can also contact your state's early intervention program yourself for a child under 3: services are free or low cost for children who qualify. Find yours at cdc.gov/FindEI. ASHA suggests an assessment by a certified speech-language pathologist or audiologist if a child misses many of the milestones for their age; its ProFind lists them. Acting early helps: the CDC says early intervention is likely to work better the earlier it starts.

Sources