Is It Normal If My Toddler Isn’t Talking Yet? 🤔

Pro Tip: They might be reaching important talking milestones without you even realizing it.

If you’ve ever quietly wondered why your little one isn’t saying as many words as the other children at the playground or on social media… you’re not alone. It’s one of those questions many parents and caregivers hold close, sometimes afraid to ask out loud.

So today, let’s talk about it honestly and without comparison.

💡 What’s “Normal” Anyway?

Children develop at different paces. Some chatter away at 18 months, while others might not say much until closer to three. Believe it or not, your little one might be secretly chatting up a storm when you’re not looking, while you’re over here stressing, and they’re just living their best life. Sorry, mom!😅.

What truly matters is that they’re engaged, curious, and connecting with their world in their own special way. Whether that’s through pointing, babbling, giggling, or giving you that signature toddler side-eye, they’re still communicating, and that’s beautiful progress too.

🌟Speech Milestones You Might Notice

While every child’s path is unique, here’s a guide many early childhood experts follow:

✨By 12 months: Babbles while making sounds like “mama”, “dada”, or "baba"

✨By 18 months: Says around 6–20 simple words

✨By 2 years: Combines two words like “more juice” or “bye-bye doggy”

✨By 3 years: Using simple sentences to share ideas, like “I want toy” or “Daddy go work”

Remember, these are just guides, not deadlines. If your little one’s not following this exact path, it doesn’t mean something’s wrong. Every child blooms in their own time and their own way. 🌸

🌟Ways to Support Early Speech (Without Pressure)

If you’re hoping to encourage your toddler’s talking skills, here are a few GlimmerTots-approved ways to make it playful:

✨Narrate your day:

“Mummy’s pouring juice. See the juice? Yum!”

✨Repeat their sounds back:

If they say “ba,” you can respond with, “Ball? Big ball? Where’s the ball?” It shows them their sounds matter.

✨Use songs and rhymes:

Music is magic for early language. We’ve got a growing collection waiting for you on our GlimmerTots YouTube Channel! 🎥✨

✨Read picture books together:

Point to pictures, name what you see, and let your child try too. Psst… we have some GlimmerTots storytime surprises coming soon!

✨Celebrate any sound or word attempt like it’s a standing ovation:

Whether it’s a perfect “mama” or a creative “boop!”, cheer like they just won a trophy. Confidence is built in tiny moments like these.

💬 When Should I Worry?

In a perfect world there would be no need to worry, however if your child shows absolutely no interest in communicating, isn’t making sounds by 12–18 months, or has suddenly stopped using words they previously knew, it’s always okay to gently check in with your health visitor, GP, or paediatrician.

Seeking advice isn’t a sign you’ve done anything wrong, it’s a sign you care.

💖 Final Thought

Dear GlimmerTots families, the truth is every child blooms in their own season. Some race ahead with words, others master the art of observation before they decide to speak. Both are beautifully normal.

If this is a question you’ve held in your heart, know that you’re not alone here.

💬 Join the Conversation

When did your little one start chatting away?

Was there a first word you’ll never forget?

Are you still waiting and cheering them on?

Drop your stories in the comments below because we're strongest when we uplift each other. 🌸✨

With love,

The GlimmerTots Team