What Really Counts as a “Word”?

Most parents underestimate how many words their child actually has. A “word” is any consistent way your child uses a sound, gesture, or sign to communicate a specific message. It does not have to sound like a perfect adult word.

• Real words: “ball,” “mama,” “up”
• Approximations: saying “ba” for “ball” every time
• Consistent gestures: pointing to milk every time they want milk
• Sound + gesture combos: “mmm” + reaching for food
• Sign language: baby signs like “more,” “all done,” “milk”
• Animal sounds: “woof,” “moo,” “neigh”

If your child uses something consistently and intentionally to communicate, it counts as a word. That means your child may have more words than you realized.

When Do Most Babies Reach 10 Words?

Every child develops at their own pace, but there are general patterns we look at as speech therapists. Most children reach around 10 intentional words between 15 and 18 months.

Typical Communication Milestones

• By 12 months: 1-3 meaningful words, lots of babbling, and gestures like pointing, waving, and reaching.
• By 15 months: about 5-10 words, more imitation, and more consistent use of gestures to communicate wants and needs.
• By 18 months: 10-50 words. Many children are starting to combine words around 18-24 months (like “more juice” or “mommy up”).

If your child is between 15-18 months and not quite at 10 words yet, it doesn't automatically mean something is wrong. It does mean it's a great time to increase the quality of language input they're getting at home and consider an early intervention evaluation if you're concerned.

Gentle Signs Your Child May Need Extra Support

These signs do not mean your child is “behind” forever, but they can tell us that extra support might be helpful:

• Limited gestures (not pointing, waving, or reaching with purpose by 12 months)
• Very quiet baby with little babbling
• No intentional words by 16-18 months
• Rarely imitates sounds, words, or simple actions
• Doesn't respond to name or familiar words consistently
• Mostly uses crying or grabbing instead of gestures or sounds to communicate
• Loss of words or sounds they used to have (regression)

If several of these feel true for your child, you don't have to panic—but it is a good idea to talk with your pediatrician and ask about an early intervention speech evaluation. Early support is gentle, play-based, and focused on helping you and your child connect.

Simple Ways to Help Your Child Get to 10 Words

You dont need flashcards or long “drilling sessions.” The best speech practice happens during real life—meals, bath time, playtime, diaper changes, and car rides. Here are a few powerful strategies:

1. Use Short, Simple Phrases

Talk in clear, simple language: “More juice,” “All done,” “Big ball.” Babies learn faster from short phrases than long sentences.

2. Repeat Words Often (Without Drilling)

Choose a few key words and repeat them naturally throughout the day. For example: “Up… up… you want up? Up!” Repetition helps your child's brain connect meaning to sound.

3. Add Big, Clear Gestures

Point, nod, shake your head, reach, and show objects as you talk. Gestures make words easier to understand and easier to copy.

4. Follow Your Child's Lead

Talk about what your child is looking at, playing with, or reaching for. If they're staring at the window, you might say, “See the tree? Tree. Big tree.”

5. Pause and Wait

After you ask a question or hold something up, pause for a few seconds before helping. That tiny bit of waiting gives your child a chance to try a word, sound, or gesture.

6. Turn Routines Into Predictable Little Scripts

Say the same short phrases every night during bath, every time you go up the stairs, or every time you buckle the car seat. Kids love repetition, and repetition builds language.

Great First Words to Model

These words are motivating, useful, and easier for little mouths to try:

• up
• more
• mama
• dada
• ball
• hi / bye
• dog
• go
• no
• uh-oh
• all done
• juice
• yes
• open

When to Ask for an Early Intervention Evaluation

Trust your instincts. If you feel something isn't quite right with your child's communication, it's always okay to ask questions. Reach out to your pediatrician or your local early intervention program if:

• Your child has no words by 16-18 months
• Your child rarely makes sounds, babbles, or imitates
• Your child doesn't respond to their name or familiar words
• You notice frustration when they try to communicate
• Your child loses words or skills they once had

Getting support early does not label your child for life. It simply gives them, and you, more tools during a time when their brain is growing quickly.