Communication Development: By 2 Years

By 2 years, what should my child be able to say and do?

Say

Uses over 50 single words.

Is starting to combine words; for example, "go car", "more drink", "titiro pāpā!"

Asks simple questions; for example, "what that?", "where ball?"

Talks about what they can see and hear right now.

Do

Understands instructions containing 2 keywords; for example, "give your cup to me".

Listens to a simple story.

Enjoys pretend play with their toys; for example, feeding teddy and putting dolly to bed.

Joins in with songs, waiata and nursery rhymes with actions.

Enjoys interactive books such as lift-the-flap books like  'Spot', 'Little Kiwi' and 'Hairy Maclary'.

Is understood by familiar adults most of the time.

What are some tips to help my baby's communication development at 2 years?

• play with your child, join in with what they are doing or interested in
• make sure you're face to face when playing with your child – you may need to sit on the floor
• being face to face allows you to see what your child is interested in – it also helps conversation
• share stories, songs, waiata and poems with your whole whānau (family)