How many words should a baby say at 23 months?

As a parent, it is natural to be concerned about your child’s language development. At 23 months, your baby is rapidly growing and learning new skills every day. One of the milestones that parents often wonder about is how many words their child should be saying at this age. While every child is different and develops at their own pace, there are some general guidelines that can help you understand your child’s language development at 23 months.

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), most children have a vocabulary of about 50 words by the time they are 23 months old. However, this number can vary greatly and some children may have fewer or more words in their vocabulary. It is important to remember that every child is unique and may reach this milestone at different times.

At 23 months, your child’s language skills are rapidly developing. They are able to understand and follow simple instructions, and can use words to express their needs and wants. They may also be able to combine two words to form simple phrases, such as “more milk” or “bye-bye daddy”. By this age, they may also be able to identify and name some body parts and objects in their environment.

It is important to note that not all words your child says may be clear or easily understood by others. This is completely normal at this age and their pronunciation will continue to improve as they grow and develop. As a parent, it is important to encourage and support your child’s language development by repeating and expanding on their words and phrases.

If you are concerned about your child’s language development at 23 months, it is always best to consult with your child’s pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist. They can provide a more thorough evaluation and determine if your child may benefit from early intervention services.

In addition to the number of words your child is saying, it is also important to pay attention to their overall communication skills. By 23 months, your child should be able to engage in simple back-and-forth conversations, follow simple two-step instructions, and understand and use pronouns (I, you, me). They may also start to use some basic prepositions (in, on, under) and adjectives (big, little).

As a parent, there are many things you can do to support your child’s language development at 23 months. Some tips include:

1. Talk to your child often: Engage your child in conversation throughout the day. Talk about what you are doing, what they are doing, and what you see around you.

2. Read together: Reading to your child is a great way to expose them to new words and concepts. Point to pictures and ask your child to name them.

3. Sing songs and recite nursery rhymes: Songs and rhymes are not only fun for children, but they also help develop their language skills. Encourage your child to sing along and do hand gestures.

4. Use simple and clear language: When talking to your child, use simple and clear language. Avoid using baby talk or overly complex sentences.

5. Repeat and expand on your child’s words: When your child says a word, repeat it back to them and add another word to expand on it. For example, if your child says “ball”, you can say “Yes, that’s a big red ball!”

6. Be patient and encouraging: It is important to be patient and encouraging with your child’s language development. Every child learns at their own pace, and it is important to celebrate their progress and not compare them to others.

In conclusion, at 23 months, most children have a vocabulary of about 50 words and are able to combine two words to form simple phrases. However, every child is unique and may reach this milestone at different times. As a parent, it is important to support and encourage your child’s language development by talking to them often, reading together, and using simple and clear language. If you have concerns about your child’s language development, consult with a professional for a more thorough evaluation.