27 Nov Language Development & Early Speech: What Parents Need to Know (Ages 0–3 Years)
By Dr. Hassina Ebrahim | Consultant Paediatrician
27 November 2025
Early language development forms the foundation of how children communicate, learn, and connect with the world. From a baby’s first coo to a toddler’s two-word phrases, these early years are filled with remarkable growth.
Why Early Language Development Matters
Language development is far more than learning to talk. It includes listening, understanding, thinking, and social communication. The first three years of life are especially crucial because the brain is developing at a speed that will never be matched again -forming more than a *million neural connections per second*
Strong early language skills are linked to:
- Later reading and academic success
- Emotional regulation
- Social confidence
- Better long-term developmental outcomes
By nurturing language early, we give children tools to thrive, interact meaningfully, and build healthy relationships.
What Is Language Development?
Language development includes two main components:
- Receptive Language: The ability to understand words, instructions, and meaning.
- Expressive Language: The ability to use sounds, words, gestures, and later sentences to communicate.
How the Brain Supports Language
At birth, babies are biologically wired to learn language. Early brain development is experience-driven , meaning the richer and more responsive a child’s environment, the stronger their language foundation.
- Talking, reading, singing, and naming objects from day one all strengthen neural pathways.
- Warm, consistent interactions help shape communication, social understanding, and emotional bonding.
- Without early stimulation, these important neural connections weaken or may not form as effectively.
Language Milestones: What to Expect from Birth to 3 Years
Birth to 6 Months
- Turns toward sounds
- Recognizes caregiver’s voice
- Coos, gurgles, early vocal play
- Cries differently for different needs
- Makes eye contact and responds to voices
6 to 12 Months
- Understands “no” and own name
- Responds to simple requests
- Babbling: “ba-ba,” “da-da”
- Imitates speech sounds
- Uses gestures like pointing or waving
12 to 18 Months
- Follows simple instructions
- Identifies everyday objects
- Says 5–20 words
- Names familiar people and objects
18 to 24 Months
- Understands 50+ words
- Points to body parts (“where’s your nose?”)
- Vocabulary jumps to ±50+ words
- Begins combining two-word phrases: “more juice,” “mama go”
2 to 3 Years
- Follows longer instructions
- Identifies body parts, colours
- Vocabulary ranges from ±200 to 1000+ words
- Uses 2–3 word sentences (“I want milk”)
- Begins using plurals, pronouns, early grammar
Red Flags: When to Seek Help
Parents should consult a paediatrician or speech therapist if a child:
- Is not babbling by 9 months
- Has no first words by 15 months
- Does not use two-word phrases by 2 years
- Shows poor eye contact or limited social interaction
Early assessment leads to early support – and early support leads to better outcomes.
Language develops best in warm, loving, and interactive environments.
Every story you read, every word you share, and every moment of connection shapes your child’s communication future.
For personalised support, reach out to my practice.
Main Practice:
- Life Roseacres Hospital – Room 2, Ground Floor
Call: 011 842 7626 | WhatsApp: 071 621 1332
Other Practices: (Sessional Rooms)
- Life Dalview Hospital
011 740 9013 - Netcare Lakeview Hospital
011 422 4531
