how many words at 18 months

I had the book What to Expect when Expecting and What to Expect the First Year but I never got the book that talks about toddler years. We ahve our 18 month app in a few weeks and I was wondering what the expectation was for vocabulary at 18 months. Thanks

 

"What to expect ... the toddler years" says should be able to use 3 single words. But my pedi. asked that at their 15 month appointment? Now I'm confused, too.

 

My DD#3 is 20 mo and says maybe 10-15 but she just started that and at her Parents as Teacher evaluation and 18 mo ckup they both said around 5-10 is great so I wouldnt worry to much I think language comes to everyone at a differant time but by 2 and half they should be talking a little....

 

Our doctor said between 4-10 single words at 18 months is normal. My girls had 8 at that age. They are 21 months old and are blooming with their words. They both can talk in 3-4 word sentences now... But every child is different. I wouldnt worry until they were around 24 months and still not talking much.

 

I'm just chiming in... my pediatrician said he likes to see them have 6-8 words. But in the same breathe, told me if they don't have exactly that many not to worry about it too much as long as I see them trying. Every child is so different it's hard to put an exact expectation on them.

 

Don't forget that if they do any signing those count as 'words' too.

At 12m, we had 3 words between the two boys. At 18m I think my boys had about 20-25 words (many could be interpreted only by mommy and daddy), but they were consistently using the same 'word' so that counts too. They also had about 25 signs.

Now at 21m, we have more words than I can keep track of and the signs have taken off so much that they are picking them up faster than we are. :blush:

I wouldn't worry about language delays until they are 24m...I think most pediatricians also don't worry until this stage. That being said, if you do feel they need EI, get on the list NOW...by the time they get around to you (even for your initial eval) you'll be entering kindergarten.

 

Thanks! We are doing ok then. They have about 10-12. They dont go around saying them all day but they do know the words.

 

I was curious about how many words too. My twins are 15 months, Rianna knows about 12 words but doesn't know what it mean (she point) and right now her favorite word is "Shoes". Justin only knows 8 words but doesn't say it over and over like my daughter does. They know about 8 sign language and hope they'll learn more by 18 months.

One of the key that they are picking up from is Leap Frog Factory "Letters" and "Words", along with Baby Signing Time Vol. 1 & 2. I do flash cards as well with them and read tons of books too. We are a deaf parents, my twins still to this day doesn't realized it yet. But I think Justin noticed I am different than others in their play group.

Diana w/Rianna and Justin