Your toddler’s communication development

Children develop differently, and communication starts long before words.

Watching your child begin to understand more and communicate in new ways is a really important part of their development.

Communication starts long before words, through eye contact, sounds, gestures and interactions. Over time, this grows into understanding, talking and sharing ideas.

What you might notice

From around 4 to 12 months

smiling, eye contact, cooing and babbling
turning towards familiar voices
copying sounds and enjoying songs and rhymes

From around 12 to 24 months

pointing, waving and showing you objects
understanding simple words and routines
saying first words, then building vocabulary

From around 2 to 4 years

using more words and starting short sentences
understanding simple instructions
asking simple questions like "what?" or "why?"

All children follow their own path, and progress can come in bursts.

Development review

Every child has a 2 to 2 and a half year development review. Find out more about this on Oxford Health. This will be organised through your health visitor or midwife.

Why communication development matters

Communication helps your child:

understand the world around them
build relationships and express their needs
learn and develop confidence
share ideas, feelings and experiences

Early communication also supports learning, behaviour and emotional wellbeing.

How you can support your toddler

You don't need lots of equipment or structured activities. Simple, everyday interactions make a big difference.

Talk and listen

talk to your child about what you're doing during the day
listen and respond to sounds, gestures or words
give them time to respond – pausing helps

Read, sing and play

share books together and talk about the pictures
sing songs and nursery rhymes
use playtime to build conversation

Follow their lead

notice what your child is interested in
join in and describe what they're doing
let them guide the interaction

Use simple language and choices

keep language simple and clear
offer choices (e.g. "apple or banana?")
repeat words often to help build understanding

Communication grows through everyday moments, little and often.

Trust your instincts – you know your child best

You may want to speak to someone if:

your child is not responding to sounds or voices
you feel their understanding or talking is not progressing
you are concerned about how they communicate

You don't need to wait. Speak to your health visitor or GP if you have any questions. Visit Oxfordshire's local offer for advice on the questions to ask.

Resources and support

Learning conversations and telling stories: 3 to 5 years - get activities and tips to boost learning, communication and early development
Speech and Language UK - advice if parents are concerned about talking, understanding or communication
Speech and Language Therapy - Children's Integrated Therapies- Local NHS referral information and support
Contact - advice, support and helplines for families with disabled children
Family Information Service - find a range of activities. Meeting new friends and getting out and about can be a great way to build confidence and develop communication skills

Pop into one of our family hubs

Family hubs provide ongoing support after your baby arrives, including activities, family services and opportunities to meet other parents.

Want to find out more about what comes next?

Growing up, from toddlers to preschool – their development stages and what to expect.

Family Information Service

Take a look at the Family Information Service for a list of activities and groups across Oxfordshire to support your family through pregnancy. You can also find very specific support if you feel you need it.

Find parent and toddler groups.