How Much Vocabulary Should a 14-Month Have?

Hi. I think all children develop at their own pace. I think the one's that are quiet have great imaginations. My almost two year old little girl doesn't say a lot of words but she has her own language and pretends all by herself. Someone said that was a sign that she has a good imagination. I say as long as they are happy, than that's all that matters.

First of all, every child is different! The fact that your son understands you and is able to communicate his wishes shows that he is just fine! I think that is perfectly normal to have 4-5 words. What I found with my two kids, is that between one year and 18-24 months was the most amazing growth for them. My son did have a speech delay that we found at about 2 1/2 years- his vocabulary tested at a 5 year old level, but his articulation was at about a 2 year old.

I also found that my daugther's vocabulary developed much faster than my son's. She has been talking full sentences since she was about 18 months. Whether that is from being a girl or the second child, I am not sure-

On the other hand, I have a niece that just started talking and is still only saying 3 or 4 word chuncks, and she will be 3 in January. EVERY CHILD IS DIFFERENT!

If you have real concerns, feel free to call your pediatrician. They know all of the milestones that your child should be completing and when there might be a problem.

Good luck and enjoy the vocabulary boom that is about to happen (Oh yeah- from previous experience, be careful what you say around them... they are great at repeating private info!)

Hi M.,

Don't worry about it!! Your mom may be right about your sister, but that has no bearing on your son. Boys generally are slower to speak than girls. My son didn't really start speaking a lot until 2 yrs old and now I want some quiet again!!! lol (He's 3.) : )

I would suggest that when your son wants something, don't just give it to him. Wait until he "speaks", be it a grunt or any sort of sound. That will give him the idea that you expect him to verbalize his desires. No matter what sound comes out of his mouth (unless you know he can say the word), I recommend praising him and saying, "Good job! I'll give you the cheese" or whatever praise you like to use, but use a complete "adult" sentence so he hears more words and hears them used properly. This will also help him build his vocabulary. But I warn you . . . you will wish for a quiet day down the road!! : )

If your son begins to withdraw emotionally and/or physically as he grows, this may be an indication of something serious, such as autism. You may want to ask you ped for a referral just in case--if nothing else, they'll be able to tell you your son is "normal" (whatever that is). lol

D.

Hi, I wanted to write a response to you because I've been there wondering before. My son who only spoke a few words at 18 months old and still only has about 50 words at 3 years old has gone through an evaluation by our Child Developmental Services of our county. They gave me a list of things to go by. So accoring to them it states at 1 year the sentence length is 1 word (i.e. "ball," "hi") and the average number of words in their vocabulary is 1-10 words. They're mostly using nouns to label objects and some people, still jargoning, using gestures to express themselves, will imitate sounds and words.

At 1.5 the sentence length changes to 1 word sentences with some 2 word sentences (i.e. "hi dadda") and the average number of words in their vocabulary is 10-30. Two word combinations may be emerging, large vocabulary expansion starts, adding new words daily, asks for "more," asks "what's that?"

I hope this has helped you some. I know how hard it is to wonder what the norm is for talking. I also have a daughter who is 16 months old and since my son didn't reach many of his talking milestones I'm kinda new at this whole thing again. Good Luck!

Every Child is different....my two year old girl said 50+words by 14 months and full sentences by 18 months but my neighbors son who is the same age only says a few words. But he can do more hand eye skills then my daughter.He can catch and throw a ball and my daughter had trouble operating a spoon and fork until about 2 and even still a little now. I think that as long as he is understanding you and responding to you guys...don't worry about it. Unless your pediatrician stresses there may be a problem just give it time he is probably just developing his skills in other things right now.

I am shocked by my soon to be 15 month old's vocabulary. She can count to three, says "what's this? whats that? sit. baba, mama, uncle, hi, bye, kiss, uh oh!" i love watching her!

I find it a little hard to believe that a 14 month old was speaking full sentences. Every child develops at their own rate. My daughter had a vocab of about 5-7 words at that age. My neice didn't even say anything at that age. So it differs with everyone. Don't let anyone make you think your child is "slow". They all catch up at some point! My daughter is now 19 months old and has an extensive vocabulary. Give it time and you'll be wishing he never learned how to talk!! :)

i agree with rachel in that 14 months is a little young to say sentences. my daughter is 16 months and she can say about 10 words clearly and then she can pick things out of a book like flower and Dora, and she understands some commands. I would not worry about your son. He is talking so that is a good sign that he is developing language. He will learn more and more as you continue to talk to him more and reinforce his efforts.

Hi M.! I've wondered the same thing. My mom insists that I was talking in sentences by that age too. Not really sure. My son is 15 months old and he only says a few words, but is starting to pick up a few new ones. He's very smart though and you can tell he understands what my husband and I say, but just can't quite verbalize all of his wants and needs. I wouldn't worry too much about it, all kids develop at their own rate. :)

Hey that's awesome! Completly normal. By 18 months, he will be at 20 or so, maybe. Don't let your om fool you. Odds are she doesn't remember a lot of when you guys were that way. My mom said I was potty trained when I was 18 months old and when I found my baby book I was almost 2 1/2. They think that they remember every month like it was yesterday. Someday, we will too! So don't sweat it!

4-5 words at 14 months is above average I think! Most kids don't speak with full sentences until 2 years old or more! The important thing here is that he IS communicating. He gets your attention, lets you know what he wants and understands what you say. Don't you worry one bit, he sounds perfect!