Infant Language Checklist

This is a basic guide to typical infant language development. However, it is important to know that children develop at different rates.

By 9 months, most children:
- turn to the sounds they hear
- babble using a variety of sounds (for example ba ba, da da)
- use their voice to get help and attention

By 12 months, most children:
- respond to their name
- understand simple words (for example, no) and basic directions
- play social games (for example, Peek-a–boo)
- imitate consonant and vowel combinations (for example, da, na, ta)
- may say their first word with meaning (for example, mama)

By 18 months, most children:
- identify several body parts when named
- imitate words you say
- understand simple questions
- use consonant sounds (for example t, d, n and h)
- use at least ten words

By 24 months, most children:
- listen to simple stories and sing simple songs
- recognise and name pictures
- use at least fifty words
- make simple sentences (for example Mummy go out)

Other Checklists: Pre-School,  Primary School,  High School

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