Your toddler just turned two, a cousin the same age chats in short sentences, and your child mostly points. If you are looking up 24 month old speech milestones, this guide shows what the official checklists say, how understanding and talking differ, and the signs that are worth a call. For all skills at this age, see our toddler milestones by month guide.
Talking is one part of a bigger picture with listening, gestures and play. See more in our development and milestones guides.
Quick answer: what speech is typical at 24 months?
By 2 years, the CDC says most children say at least two words together, like “more milk,” point to things in a book when you ask, and point to at least two body parts. The AAP says most 2-year-olds can say about 50 to 100 words. The CDC checklist also looks at understanding and gestures, not just words.
- Two-word phrases such as “more milk” or “daddy go” are a key skill at this age.
- Understanding, like pointing to a picture when you name it, is part of the picture too.
- No two-word phrases, lost words or not responding to sounds are reasons to call your pediatrician.
What the CDC lists at 2 years
From the CDC’s “Milestones by 2 years” checklist:
| Area | What most children do by 2 years (CDC) |
|---|---|
| Understands | Points to things in a book when you ask, like “Where is the bear?”; points to at least two body parts when you ask |
| Says | Says at least two words together, like “More milk.” |
| Does | Uses more gestures than just waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss or nodding yes; looks at your face to see how to react in a new situation |
The CDC describes milestones as things most children (75% or more) can do by a certain age. That means many children reach them earlier. A missing item is a reason to talk with your doctor, not a diagnosis.
The AAP’s list is more detailed. It says that by 2 years most toddlers will say about 50 to 100 words, use several two-word phrases like “All gone,” perhaps say a few three-word sentences, and be understood by others about half of the time.
Understanding vs. talking
Language has two sides: what your child understands and what your child says. For ages 1 to 2, the NIDCD lists skills such as following simple commands (“Roll the ball”), understanding simple questions (“Where’s your shoe?”) and pointing to pictures in a book when you name them.
Both sides matter, so tell your pediatrician what your child understands as well as what they say. Our guide to baby’s first words shows how these skills build from the first year.
What is a late talker?
“Late talker” is an everyday term for a toddler who starts to talk later than most children the same age. The AAP notes that one out of 5 children will learn to talk or use words later than other children their age, and says it is important to have your child evaluated if you are concerned about their language.
How to help your 2-year-old talk
- Talk and play every day. The AAP advises spending lots of time playing with, reading to and talking with your toddler.
- Read and point. Ask “Where is the dog?” and let your child point. This matches the book skill on the CDC checklist.
- Welcome every way of “talking.” The AAP says it is important to encourage your child to “talk” to you with gestures or sounds.
- Ask about hearing. The NIDCD says a hearing test is often part of a speech and language evaluation, because a hearing problem can affect speech and language development.
For book ideas by age, see our guide to reading to your baby.
When to talk to your doctor
Bring up speech at the 2-year checkup, or call sooner if your toddler:
- does not say at least two words together, like “more milk” (CDC)
- does not point to things in a book or to body parts when you ask (CDC)
- stops talking or doing things they used to do (AAP)
- seems to hear some noises but not when you call their name (AAP)
- can say the ABCs, numbers or TV jingles but cannot use words to ask for things they want (AAP)
- does not return a happy smile, or seems to tune others out (AAP)
The CDC’s advice is “don’t wait.” Share your concerns and ask about developmental screening. The AAP says your doctor may order a hearing test and refer you to a speech and language therapist. The AAP also says to follow your instincts.
If your child is younger than 3, you can also contact your state’s early intervention program yourself (sometimes called “Birth to Three”). The CDC says you do not need a doctor’s referral to make this call, and you can request a free evaluation. Our guide to red flags in baby development explains these steps.
Frequently asked questions
How many words should a 24 month old say?
The AAP says most toddlers can say about 50 to 100 words by 2 years. The CDC checklist does not give a word count; it looks for at least two words together.
My 2-year-old understands everything but doesn’t talk. Is that normal?
Good understanding is worth telling your pediatrician about, but it does not replace talking. The AAP says it is important to have your child evaluated if you are concerned about language. Our baby language development guide explains the difference between understanding and speaking.
How clear should a 2-year-old’s speech be?
Not perfectly clear. The AAP says most 2-year-olds are understood by others about half of the time. If you are unsure whether your toddler’s speech is on track, bring it up at the next checkup.
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Sources
- CDC: Milestones by 2 Years
- CDC: Concerned About Your Child’s Development?
- HealthyChildren.org (AAP): Language Delays in Toddlers: Information for Parents
- NIDCD (NIH): Speech and Language Developmental Milestones
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about your child’s speech or development, talk to your pediatrician.