Speech Milestones for Aussie Kids: A Parent’s Guide by Age
- Daniella Curtano
- Jul 7
- 4 min read
As a parent, few things are more exciting than hearing your child’s first words. From early coos to full conversations, speech and language development is a journey that unfolds over several years. But how do you know if your child is on track? And what milestones should you be looking for at each stage?
This guide outlines typical speech and language milestones for Australian children, helping you understand what’s expected, what might be cause for concern, and when to seek support.
What Are Speech and Language Milestones?
Speech and language milestones are the age-specific communication skills most children typically develop as they grow. These include:
Speech: how clearly a child pronounces words (articulation)
Language: how they understand (receptive language) and use words (expressive language)
Social communication: how they use language in interactions (e.g. eye contact, taking turns)
Every child develops at their own pace, but knowing the general milestones can help you spot any delays early—and early support is key.
Milestones by Age
👶 Birth to 6 Months
Turns head toward voices and sounds
Reacts to loud noises
Makes cooing, gurgling sounds
Begins to use different cries for different needs
Smiles and vocalises in response to others
👂 What to watch for: A baby who is very quiet, doesn’t react to sound, or doesn’t make eye contact may need a hearing check or early developmental review.
👶 6 to 12 Months
Babbles using consonant sounds (e.g. “ba-ba”, “da-da”)
Uses voice to get attention (not just crying)
Responds to name
Understands simple words like “no” and “bye-bye”
Shows interest in songs and games like peekaboo
📌 Parent tip: Narrate everyday activities and name objects. Babies learn best from hearing words in context!
🧒 12 to 18 Months
Says their first real words with meaning (e.g. “mama”, “ball”)
Uses gestures (pointing, waving)
Understands and follows simple instructions (“Come here”)
Imitates simple words and sounds
Recognises the names of familiar people and objects
📉 Concern signs: No words by 16 months, or little interest in communicating (pointing, showing) may indicate a language delay.
🧒 18 to 24 Months
Has a vocabulary of 20–50+ words
Begins combining two words (“more milk”, “daddy go”)
Understands more than they can say
Uses words to request or comment
Points to pictures in books when named
🔁 Encourage: Repeat what they say and expand (“Dog!” → “Yes, big dog!”).
🧒 2 to 3 Years
Vocabulary grows rapidly (200–300+ words by age 3)
Uses short sentences (3–4 words)
Asks simple questions (“What’s that?”)
Follows two-step instructions (“Get your shoes and put them on”)
Speech becomes clearer—understood by family, and by strangers 50–75% of the time
🚩 Red flags:
Not combining two words by 2 years
Difficult to understand even familiar words
Doesn’t follow simple instructions
🧒 3 to 4 Years
Talks in longer, more complex sentences
Speech is understood by unfamiliar listeners most of the time
Can tell simple stories or describe recent events
Understands “who”, “what”, “where” questions
Begins using grammar (e.g. plurals, past tense)
📚 Tip: Read aloud daily. Ask open-ended questions (“What do you think will happen next?”).
🧒 4 to 5 Years
Uses full sentences and can carry on conversations
Asks lots of “why” and “how” questions
Uses correct pronouns and most grammar rules
Can talk about events that happened in the past
Speech is mostly clear, with only a few sound errors (e.g. ‘r’, ‘th’)
✅ By this age, your child should be easily understood by everyone, even if a few sounds are still developing.
🧒 5 to 6 Years (School-Readiness)
Speaks clearly and fluently in a variety of settings
Can explain ideas, tell detailed stories, and follow conversations
Uses complex sentences with linking words (“because”, “then”)
Understands jokes, rhymes, and abstract ideas
Can understand and follow classroom instructions
🎓 Important: Strong oral language skills set the foundation for reading, writing, and school success.
Variability Is Normal… to a Point
All children develop differently—some talk early, others take their time. But significant delays or missing key milestones are signs that a professional opinion is warranted.
Speech and language delays are very common and affect around 1 in 5 children. The good news? With the right support, most children make excellent progress.
When Should You Seek Help?
You should contact a speech pathologist if:
Your child isn’t meeting multiple milestones for their age
You or others struggle to understand them
They show frustration when trying to speak
Their vocabulary isn’t growing over time
They were progressing and then regressed (e.g. stopped using words they previously knew)
In Australia, you can access speech therapy privately (no referral needed) or through:
NDIS (for children with developmental concerns)
GP Medicare referral (e.g. Chronic Disease Management Plan)
Public health services (availability varies by state)
What to Expect in a Speech Therapy Assessment
A speech pathologist will:
Observe your child’s communication in play
Ask about their developmental history
Use play-based or standardised assessments
Give feedback and recommendations
Create a therapy plan if needed
Sessions are fun, family-friendly, and tailored to your child’s needs.
Final Thoughts
Speech and language development is one of the most important aspects of a child’s early years. As a parent, understanding what to expect and when to act can make all the difference.
If you’re ever unsure whether your child is on track, trust your instincts and reach out to a speech pathologist. Early support leads to the best outcomes—and it’s never too soon to start the conversation.
Need Support?
At The Speech & Therapy Clinic, we help children from toddlers to school age communicate with confidence. Our friendly team of speech pathologists supports families in our clinic in Footscray, VIC and through home visits to nearby suburbs.
📞 Contact us today to book a consultation or ask about early intervention services.
