It can be confusing and worrying when your toddler seems to understand everything you say but isn’t speaking. They point, nod, follow instructions, and even express emotions clearly, but words seem to elude them. This disconnect between understanding and speaking can feel concerning. However, rest assured, as it’s actually quite common and often part of normal development.

To clarify: speech delays don’t automatically point to something being “wrong”. Many children catch up quickly with the right support. In this guide, we’ll explore the signs to look out for, practical ways to encourage speech, and simple tips to foster a language-rich environment at home.

At mothercare Malaysia, we’re here to support you through every babble, word, and “first sentence” milestone.

Why Toddlers May Understand But Not Speak

Understanding language and using it to speak are two different skills. Toddlers often comprehend far more than they can articulate. Factors influencing speech development include:

• Physical Development: Tongue, lips, and jaw coordination take time to master.

• Hearing Ability: Clear hearing is essential for mimicking sounds and forming words.

• Personality and Temperament: Some children are shy or cautious speakers.

• Exposure to Language: Quantity and quality of daily conversation shape speech skills.

Most children begin speaking in recognisable words between 12–24 months, but variations are normal. Some toddlers may understand everything by 18 months and start speaking later, while others begin chatting earlier but need support with comprehension.

Studies show that up to 75% of infants say their first words by 10 months of age.

How to Know Your Toddler Understands

You know your toddler understands language when they:

1. Follow Simple Instructions

Your toddler may respond to requests like “bring me the ball” or “sit down” without needing non-verbal cues. This shows strong receptive language skills, even if they’re not speaking yet.

How to Encourage Speech:

• Pair actions with words consistently. For example, say “pick up the ball” while demonstrating to them how to do it.

• Give two-step instructions: “Pick up your toy and put it in the box.”

• Praise attempts at responses, even if they are just gestures.

⚽ Understanding instructions is a big milestone in itself, as it serves as a foundation for later speech.

2. Use Gestures and Non-Verbal Communication

Pointing, nodding, waving, or shaking their head shows your toddler is communicating intent and wants to interact. Gestures often precede spoken words. These gestural developments are actually positive signs that verbal language is underway behind the scenes.

How to Support Development:

• Name objects while they point. “Yes, that’s your teddy!”

• Expand on gestures. If they wave, respond with “Bye-bye!”

• Encourage imitation games, like clapping or blowing kisses.

• Put words to their emotions. When they’re frustrated, excited, or sleepy, say “You look upset,” “You’re so happy!” or “You seem tired.”

🖐 Tip: Gestures are powerful building blocks for speech. Celebrate them!

3. Show Interest in Listening and Reading

Toddlers who enjoy listening to stories, songs or rhymes are absorbing vocabulary even if they aren’t speaking yet. Their brains are busy cataloguing sounds, rhythms and word patterns that’ll surface in their speech when the time is right.

Ways to Encourage Words:

• Read aloud daily and pause to point at pictures while naming objects.

• Sing nursery rhymes and encourage repetition of simple words.

• Ask questions: “Where’s the dog?” and give them time to respond.

📚 Fun Fact: Interactive reading not only develops language but also strengthens attention and memory.

4. Babble and Make Word Attempts

Babbling is a normal precursor to words. Sounds like “ba-ba” or “da-da” are practice for real words. Utterances don’t have to be perfect. Any sound your toddler makes is progress towards speech, and shows your toddler is testing out their voice and mouth movements.

How to Support Your Toddler:

• Respond enthusiastically to babbles: “Yes, that’s your ball!”

• Expand sounds into words. If they say “ba,” respond “Ball, yes, your ball!”

• Encourage daily talk during routines, like mealtimes, bath times, and play.

💬 Yes, every small attempt counts. Reinforcement encourages them to try more words.

Practical Strategies to Encourage Speech

Helping your toddler find their voice is about creating opportunities, patience and fun interaction. The conversations you’re having now, even without words, are paving the way for all the chatter that’s coming. To facilitate speech development, try these strategies:

• Narrate Daily Activities: Talk through your actions: “I’m washing your hands. Splash, splash!”

• Offer Choices: “Do you want the red cup or the blue cup?” Simple questions encourage word use.

• Model Language: Speak in clear, short sentences. Repeat words often.

• Use Play to Encourage Words: Toys, dolls, or stuffed animals can prompt naming and dialogue.

• Limit Screen Time: Interactions with real people are far more effective for language development.

• Celebrate Every Word: Enthusiasm and praise boost confidence.

🌟 Patience is key. Pressuring a toddler can backfire and slow progress. Make speech fun and stress-free.

When to Seek Professional Advice

While variations are normal, consult a speech and language therapist (SLT) or paediatrician if:

• Your toddler is over two years old and not using any words consistently.

• There is a lack of gestures or attempts to communicate.

• Speech milestones regress or plateau over time.

• Hearing issues or medical concerns are suspected.

Trust your gut. Early intervention can make a real difference in confidence and communication.

Building a Language-Rich Environment

Language develops best through interaction. Small everyday moments are opportunities to practise words.

• Talk Throughout the Day: Mealtime, dressing, bath time, and more. These are opportunities to narrate what’s happening.

• Play Together: Interactive games like peek-a-boo or hide-and-seek teach turn-taking and vocabulary.

• Sing and Rhyme: Rhythm, repetition, and melody make words memorable.

• Be Patient: Give them time to respond and expand on their attempts.

🧸 Remember: Listening is just as important as speaking. Acknowledge and respond to all communication efforts.

Those First Words Are Coming

While it can be concerning when your toddler comprehends everything but isn’t talking yet, this actually shows they’re soaking up language and developing at their own pace. With encouragement, patience and lots of interaction, you can help your little one gain confidence in using words—and celebrate every babble, syllable, and first sentence along the way!

💬 Need help making speech fun? Get in touch with our digital nursery advisors for personalised guidance or find your nearest mothercare store to explore toys, books, and tools that encourage language development. mothercare Malaysia is here to help you nurture confident, happy communicators.