Says two-word phrases

What is this milestone?

Combines words meaningfully

Your child begins combining two words to create simple, meaningful phrases, such as 'more milk,' 'go out,' or 'big dog.'

Why it matters

This is the very beginning of grammar and syntax. They are learning that combining words changes or specifies their meaning. It's a huge step toward conversational speech and complex communication.

What to expect leading up to it

These phrases are often telegraphic, skipping the 'filler' words (like 'the' or 'is'). You might hear a mix of jargon and real words, but the two-word combinations will become increasingly frequent and clear.

How to encourage and support it

Expand on their phrases. If they say 'car go,' you say 'Yes, the red car is going fast!' This validates their communication while gently providing the grammatical framework they will learn next.

When to talk to your doctor

Combining two words -- "more milk", "daddy go" -- is expected by around 24 months. If your child is not putting two words together by then, tell your pediatrician. Also raise it if their vocabulary has stopped growing, or if you or close family often cannot understand what they are saying. And at any age, if your baby loses a skill they already had, tell your pediatrician that week.