Says at least three words besides mama/dada

What is this milestone?

Vocabulary expansion

Your child's vocabulary has expanded to include at least three to five distinct, consistent words used in context, alongside 'mama' and 'dada'.

Why it matters

This milestone marks the beginning of the 'language explosion.' Their brain is rapidly categorizing the world, and they are discovering the immense power of verbal communication to interact, request, and identify.

What to expect leading up to it

Words may still be mispronounced (e.g., 'wawa' for water), but their meaning is clear. They will often point to objects while saying the word and may become frustrated if you don't understand them immediately.

How to encourage and support it

Read daily, talk incessantly, and be a good listener. When they use a word, repeat it back correctly in a full sentence to model proper pronunciation without directly correcting them ('Yes, that is a big dog!').

When to talk to your doctor

Tell your pediatrician if your child has fewer than about six words at 18 months, is not picking up new words, or is not trying to copy words you say. Speech and language support works best early, and a referral does not commit you to anything. And at any age, if your baby loses a skill they already had, tell your pediatrician that week.